"Mohammed bin Rashid Space" Announcing the Emirati member participating in the second study within the program "Space simulation"
DUBAI, April 15, 2017 (WAM) – The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center announced today the selection of Sherif Al Rumaithi to be the Emirati member participating in the second study within the Emirates Space Simulation Programme, within the framework of research on simulating the human exploration missions “Hera”.
The second phase of the study, which includes four phases, will begin next May 10, during which the crew will work and live inside the “Hera” complex for 45 days until next June 24.
The crew includes Jason Lee, Stephanie Navarro, Payomi Wijesekkara, and Al Rumaithi.
Replicating space-like conditions on Earth, Hera is a unique three-storey habitat designed to enable scientists to study how crew members adapt to isolation, confinement and conditions far from Earth before sending them on missions to the Moon and Mars.
Crew members will perform scientific research and operational tasks throughout their simulated mission to the Red Planet, including “walking” on the surface of Mars using virtual reality.
Crew members will also experience increased communications delays of up to 5 minutes with Mission Control as they approach Mars.
His Excellency Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, said: “We are happy that Sharif Al Rumaithi has been chosen to participate in the second study within the Emirates Space Simulation Program within the Hera Complex, in a step that represents an important part of the United Arab Emirates’ vision for space exploration.”
He added: “The mission, which combines scientific research and international cooperation with NASA, aims to deepen our understanding of the physiological and psychological challenges of long-term missions into space,” explaining that the results of this study, which is being conducted on Earth, will contribute to preparing humanity for future space missions, including This includes reaching Mars and beyond.”
He said: “We in the UAE are proud to be part of this scientific journey, and we will continue to provide everything in our power to achieve more achievements in the field of space exploration, and to inspire future generations to continue the journey.”
Sherif Al Rumaithi is a pilot with more than 16 years of experience in the aviation sector, having spent more than 9,000 hours in the air on various Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
Before being selected to participate in the second study within the Emirates Space Simulation Programme, he was flying Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft with skill and proficiency, which confirms his experience and leadership skills in the field of aviation.
Al Rumaithi holds a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering and three master’s degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, in aviation and space management, safety systems, and space operations. He also obtained a doctorate in aviation from the same university, specializing in safety systems and human factors.
It should be noted that Al Rumaithi is the youngest and eighth graduate in the world to obtain a doctorate in the field of aviation.
Eighteen studies on human health will be conducted during the four phases of the study. The experiments, which will be conducted on Earth, will evaluate the physiological, behavioral and psychological responses of crew members in an environment similar to what astronauts will encounter on a trip to Mars. Seven of these studies are in cooperation between the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center and the European Space Agency. From the United Arab Emirates, the United Arab Emirates University, the Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the American University of Sharjah contribute 6 studies in various fields.
It is noteworthy that Al Rumaithi is part of the second group of volunteers participating in an analogue mission in Heera this year. The first phase of the second study within the Emirates Space Simulation Program was completed on March 11. The third and fourth phases will begin on August 9 and November 1, respectively.
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