UAE agency sponsors 20 kids for space camp

The UAE is increasing its efforts in making space education more accessible to youth as the country prepares to make history in September when it sends its first Emirati astronaut into space.
The UAE Space Agency (UAESA) is sponsoring 20 Emirati children for a space camp that is being held by Compass International. They will be educated on Hazza Al Mansoori's - the Emirati astronaut - trip to the International Space Station.
Several other major space projects are also nearing, such as the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), which is set to take off in one year. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) held an EMM Science Week this month, where youngsters were educated on the mission.
Lissy Donald, managing director of Compass International, told Khaleej Times that this is the second edition of the Space and Rocketry Academy (SARA UAE) summer camp and will be held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
"We have added new elements and upgraded the old ones. This summer, the students at the camp will learn about the mission and science of the first ever Emirati astronaut and the Nanorocks Dream Up project, and the students who have done the camp earlier will build more complex two-stage rockets," Donald said.
"We have new engineering and structural space challenges for our students this year. We are thankful to the UAE Space Agency for their constant support in inculcating a scientific temperament among the youth of the UAE. We are elated to say that the UAESA has sponsored the Abu Dhabi camp this year and has supported our efforts in all possible ways."
The Abu Dhabi space camp will take place at the Virginia International School from July 7 to July 11. The Dubai edition will be held at Al Khaleej National School from July 21 to July 25. The cost is Dh2,100 for each.
Though, for 20 Emirati students, the camp will be free as they've been sponsored by the UAE Space Agency.
Hamad Mohammed Alterneiji, one of the students, said: "Learning about space is my passion. Last year, I went to a space camp for two weeks in Australia. It was really fun learning about what's possible outside of this planet.
"I am really looking forward to learning about the Hazza Al Mansoori's mission to the International Space Station. It's really a proud moment for our country. The astronaut programme has inspired all of us and space camps help us learn more about this profession."
Fatima Al Rahma, another student who's been sponsored to attend the camp, said: "I love learning about the stars and different planets. I have many books about space at home. This space camp will help me learn more things."
Separately, the space agency has organised the Space Robotics advanced boot camp, where children can learn more about artificial intelligence, coding, 3D printing and robotics for space from July 14 to July 25.
They also have the AstroBio camp from July 7 to July 11, where kids can learn about the biochemistry of space.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com