The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a USD 135 million (Rs 890 crore) Mars Science City project to provide a "viable and realistic model" to simulate living on the surface of Mars. The city, which will cover 1.9 million square feet, is envisioned as a museum as well as a laboratory. The project, launched late last month by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is the largest space stimulation city ever built.
The project encompasses laboratories for food, energy and water, as well as agricultural testing and studies about food security in the future, a statement by Dubai Media Office said.
"The science city will also boast a museum that displays humanity’s greatest space achievements, including educational areas meant to engage young citizens with space, and inspire in them a passion for exploration and discovery," the statement said.
The Mars Science City project is part of Mars 2117 Strategy, launched during the fifth World Government Summit, which seeks to build the first settlement on Mars in the next 100 years. The UAE says that it wants to lead the global scientific race to take people to Mars.
Mars Science City plans
The walls of the museum will be 3D printed, using sand from the Emirati desert. The city will consist of several domes.
The project will include advanced laboratories that stimulate the red planet’s terrain and harsh environment through advanced 3D printing technology and heat and radiation insulation.
It seeks to attract the best scientific minds from around the world. The project also seeks to address global challenges such as food, water and energy security on earth.
The plan for the Mars Science City project include an experiential element which will involve a team living in the stimulated red planet city for one year. Scientists hope that the experience will form an important reference model for future innovation around sustaining life in a hostile planetary environment of Mars.
A range of experiments are to be devised which will lead to innovation around self-sufficiency in energy, water and food.
The Mars Science City structure will be the most sophisticated building the world, and will incorporate a realistic simulation environment replicating the conditions on the surface of Mars, the government statement said.
"The UAE seeks to establish international efforts to develop technologies that benefit humankind, and that establish the foundation of a better future for more generations to come," Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said. "We also want to consolidate the passion for leadership in science in the UAE, contributing to improving life on earth and to developing innovative solutions to many of our global challenges."
UAE believes in the potential of space exploration, and in collaborating with global partners and leaders in order to harness the findings of this research and movement that seeks to meet people’s needs and improve quality of life on earth, he said.
Speaking at the launch event, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said, "We have great confidence in our national work teams, and Emirates Mars Mission prove that our youth are trustworthy and capable of achieving national ambitions."
