UAE University Team Advances to Final Phase of Asian Try Zero-G 2025 Competition
Dubai: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced that a team from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has successfully secured a spot in the final phase of the prestigious Asian Try Zero-G 2025 competition. This significant event is organized in conjunction with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and numerous space agencies and partners throughout the Asia-Pacific region, marking a pivotal opportunity for UAE students to contribute to cutting-edge aerospace research.
The Asian Try Zero-G competition invites university students from across Asia to develop innovative physics experiments designed for execution aboard the International Space Station (ISS). An astronaut from Japan will facilitate the experiments within the Japanese Experiment Module known as ‘Kibo’. A total of 11 teams from nine different countries have advanced to the final phase, which is slated to occur between the latter half of 2025 and early 2026.
This year, the competition sparked a keen interest among students in the UAE, with MBRSC receiving 17 proposals from a diverse group of 74 students representing eight universities across the country. Following a meticulous internal review process, three teams were shortlisted; notably, the team from UAEU emerged victorious, clinching their place in the finals due to the ingenuity and feasibility of their project.
The experiment put forth by UAEU’s team delves into harmonic motion and the damping effects in a microgravity setting. The unique conditions of space allow for an exploration of how physical systems behave under these extraordinary circumstances, providing contrasting insights compared to their behavior under Earth’s gravitational influence. This research holds promise for advancements in both theoretical physics and practical applications, potentially informing future technologies.
The student team comprises six dedicated individuals: Hamdan Almeqbaali, Akio Alnajjar, Ahoud Alkaabi, Hessa Alghaithi, Mariam Alnuaimi, and Wedemah Alnuaimi. Their project has garnered the attention of JAXA among a competitive pool of proposals evaluated from 500 universities worldwide. For these students, the opportunity to conduct experiments in the ISS under the guidance of professionals signifies a monumental step in their academic and professional journeys.
MBRSC has expressed its firm commitment to encouraging scientific education as part of its broader mission to engage the public and foster collaborations with academic institutions. A representative from the Centre stated, “Through such initiatives, MBRSC aims to provide young talents meaningful opportunities to contribute to real-world research and gain invaluable hands-on experience in the domain of space science.” Such programs not only enhance educational outcomes but also build a robust workforce skilled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields essential for the future of the UAE and the broader global community.
This initiative aligns with the UAE’s strategic vision to establish a pioneering presence in the realm of space exploration and technology. The nation’s growing investment in space science underscores its ambitions to develop its capabilities in this vital field, evident in the successful launch of the Hope Probe to Mars and plans to send astronauts into orbit. The participation of homegrown talent in international competitions such as the Asian Try Zero-G not only elevates the UAE’s stature within the global space community but also serves as a wellspring of inspiration for future generations.
In view of UAEU’s participation in this high-caliber international venture, stakeholders in the education and technology sectors are urged to support similar endeavors that offer paths for students to gain real-world experience and critical skills applicable to the increasingly competitive global job market. Moreover, engaging with initiatives that explore the dynamic interplay of gravity and motion expands the possibilities of scientific inquiry, fueling innovation critical for addressing pressing challenges.
As the countdown to the competition’s final phase begins, anticipation mounts not only within the UAEU team and its mentors but also among the wider academic and scientific communities in the UAE and beyond. This forward-thinking initiative showcases the potential for academic excellence and international collaboration in advancing the frontiers of space science.
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