UAE to build 'Mars Science City' replica of Mars in Emirati dessert

Abu Dhabi, September 29: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is going to build a Mars Science City which will be replicate the conditions human colonists will likely face living on Mars. The government of UAE just ahead of plans to build the first city on Mars in 2117 has announced plans to build Mars Science City in the Emirati dessert.

 

Mars Science City will be the largest space simulation city ever built, covering an area of 1.9 million square feet with the expected cost of $136 million. The main agenda of building Mars Science City is to simulate conditions for human settlers on the Red Planet.

The city includes laboratories for food, energy and water that will simulate Mars’ terrain and harsh environment through advanced 3D printing technology and heat and radiation insulation. The scientists will also conduct agricultural testing and studies about food and water security to address some of Earth’s key challenges in the decades to come.

The city will also contain a museum dedicated to humanity’s greatest achievements in space exploration. The overall structure will be among the most sophisticated building in the world, comprising several domes crafted with innovative construction techniques.

The Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum after launching the ambitious project 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.” “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,” he added.

Interestingly, UAE today is among the top nine countries in the world investing in space science. Sheikh Mohammed said the goal is to accelerate human research in this area. In 2015, the UAE for the first time announced its Mars Probe mission, which will send the Arab world’s first spacecraft to the Red Planet on a scientific exploration mission that will land on the planet in 2021.