Twenty members of Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah (Sajaya), an affiliate of the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators, vicariously experienced life on the planet of Mars through a virtual educational journey that highlighted the major differences between the red planet and Earth in a bid to encourage the young generation to pursue the study of space sciences.

During the virtual journey which was held over Zoom platform and organised in collaboration with Sharjah Center for Astronomy & Space Sciences at  Sharjah University, the young ladies were guided to carry out a hypothetical rescue mission by formulating and executing a plan to provide food, medicine, tools and cosmic ray shields to their colleagues on Mars.

During the programme which simulated an actual space journey, the young ladies learnt about the various types of spacecraft such as Flyby, Orbiter, Atmospheric, Lander, Penetrator, Rover, and Observatory, Communications & Navigation spacecraft. They also learned how to spot the ideal landing spot on Mars, as well as the location to build a city.

Sheikha Aisha Khalid Al Qasimi, Director of SYL, commented: “Through this virtual journey, SYL introduced its members to amazing experiences that simulated actual space travel, in a fun and safe environment and introduced the young ladies to the space sciences. It will hopefully provide the impetus to encourage them to pursue studies in the field and take it up as a profession. The programme was in line with the vision of the wise leadership of the nation to raise a generation capable of and willing to explore space.”

Mr. Marwan Shwaiki, Deputy General Director of SAASST for Planetarium and Space Exhibitions, stated that the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST), which was founded by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, as a national development project and research center that seeks to serve and educate society in all areas of space science and to be a world leader in space sciences and technology research while establishing the United Arab Emirates as a scientific center in the Arab Gulf region and the world. In its endeavour to achieve His Highness’s vision of paying attention to scientific research and education that serves the development of society

Mr. Shwaiki added, SAASST organizes informative workshops, lectures, seminars, and conferences that benefit professionals and amateurs in this field alike. SAASST also adapts to circumstances such as COVID-19 and ensures the continuity of offering services and the scientific material to the community utilizing available and new locally and internationally developed means and technologies”.