UAE engineer selected for NASA’s groundbreaking Mars simulation

Captain Engineer Obaid Al Suwaidi of UAE Ministry of Defense was selected for an exciting 45-day period Mars simulation at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. This project falls within the UAE Analog Programwho studies human adaptability to the unique challenges posed by space travel.
Impressive qualifications
AlSuwaidi has a strong profile, having made significant contributions to the development of participating teams for the defense sector in the UAE. He was honored with a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Western Sydney University, as well as holding two master’s degrees – one in civil engineering and environmental engineering from George Washington University and the other in project management from Abu Dhabi University. Furthermore, it is believed that he spends his free time horse riding, swimming or running.

Understanding IVY
The Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) is a high-tech facility that simulates space missions studying how people would react and adapt to isolation and captivity. In the simulation, the crew will go on a “walk” Mars in virtual reality, as well as growing vegetables and cultivating shrimps, as well as many other activities, experiences and challenges that can be faced in real missions.
Understanding human dynamics
One of the key parts of the simulation includes the delay in Mission Control communications – considering the time needed to communicate during a trip to Mars can vary. This is an important part because it gives an idea of ​​how psychological and operational challenges can affect astronauts.

According to the Deputy Director General of Space Operations and Exploration at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC), AlSuwaidi was one of the astronauts selected for the space mission and is being considered an important step in understanding the human factors that can interfere during long space missions. duration. This data would be immensely useful for developing more strategies to explore space in depth.
Collaborative research for future missions

This is believed to be the fourth rotation of volunteers for this crucial experiment. The team will carry out 18 experiments related to physiological, behavioral and psychological responses in a simulated environment. Such information would undoubtedly prove to be highly valuable in improving the performance and resilience of astronauts on long-duration missions.
Projects like this will help strengthen the UAE’s status in space exploration around the world, advance science and inspire future generations.