Inside SARA: UAE’s Next Generation Gears Up for Space Exploration
<h3><strong>Inside SARA: How UAE’s Young Minds Are Preparing for Space and Beyond</strong></h3><p>It started with a simple, age-old question — <strong>“What lies beyond the sky?”</strong> — and ended with a room full of young dreamers imagining their place among the stars. The <strong>Space and Rocketry Academy (SARA)</strong> in Dubai relaunched with a renewed mission: to nurture the UAE’s next generation of explorers, engineers, and visionaries who will help shape the future of space science and innovation.</p><p>The event, hosted by <strong>Compass International</strong>, brought together students, educators, industry experts, and former astronauts. It wasn’t just a celebration of rockets or robotics; it was a powerful reminder that <strong>curiosity remains the greatest fuel for discovery</strong>.</p><h3><strong>A Launch Beyond Rockets</strong></h3><p>Opening the event, <strong>Lissy Donald</strong>, Managing Director of Compass International, set the tone for SARA’s new phase. “Our mission,” she said, “is to inspire curiosity and confidence in young minds. Space is just the beginning — it’s about how far imagination can take us.”</p><p>This phase of <strong>SARA UAE</strong> expands far beyond traditional science education. Its workshops now include <strong>space exploration, rocketry, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability</strong>. Through hands-on sessions, students will learn to <strong>design satellites, program robotic systems, and build rockets</strong> — but more importantly, to think critically and work collaboratively.</p><p>Donald highlighted how education is evolving from <strong>STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)</strong> to <strong>STEAM</strong>, with the “A” representing <strong>Arts</strong>. “Innovation doesn’t come from one discipline alone,” she explained. “It comes from people who see the world differently — scientists, artists, communicators, and storytellers working together.”</p><p>The philosophy behind SARA is clear: <strong>learning by doing</strong>. Through immersive experiences, students gain not only technical skills but also <strong>resilience, leadership, and creative problem-solving</strong> — traits essential for the future workforce of the UAE’s growing space sector.</p><h3><strong>Space Beyond Borders</strong></h3><p>Among the distinguished speakers was <strong>Engr Naser Al Rashdy</strong>, Director of Space Policy and Regulations at the <strong>UAE Space Agency</strong>. His message was simple yet powerful: “Space is not the work of one nation alone. It’s a shared journey that depends on cooperation, innovation, and imagination.”</p><p>He reminded students that curiosity and collaboration are what fuel exploration. When he asked, “Why space?”, the hall came alive with answers — “It’s the future,” said one student. “I want to know what’s out there,” said another. Al Rashdy smiled, saying, “That’s where every mission begins — with a question.”</p><p>The UAE’s commitment to developing its youth for future space missions was evident. From <strong>the Mars Mission (Hope Probe)</strong> to <strong>the upcoming Lunar Rover and astronaut training programs</strong>, the nation is building an ecosystem where education, science, and opportunity meet.</p><h3><strong>Bridging Education and Industry</strong></h3><p><strong>Lina Lampkin</strong>, representing the <strong>American Chamber of Commerce in Abu Dhabi</strong>, brought a business perspective. She emphasized that <strong>education and industry partnerships</strong> are vital for preparing students for real-world challenges.</p><p>“When we invest in learning,” Lampkin said, “we invest in the future workforce. Programmes like SARA bridge curiosity with opportunity, transforming passion into profession.”</p><p>Her remarks underscored how initiatives like SARA align with the UAE’s broader vision to build a <strong>knowledge-driven economy</strong>, where innovation and education go hand-in-hand.</p><h3><strong>A View from Space: Dr Don Thomas Inspires the Next Generation</strong></h3><p>The highlight of the day came from <strong>Dr Don Thomas</strong>, a <strong>former NASA astronaut</strong> and veteran of <strong>four Space Shuttle missions</strong>. When he spoke, the room fell silent. His stories, both humbling and awe-inspiring, transported listeners to orbit.</p><p>He described his first few minutes in space — focused on his duties, he hadn’t looked out the window until he finally paused and saw Earth for the first time. “A curved horizon of blue and white, floating in endless blackness,” he recalled. “It took my breath away. That moment changed how I saw our planet — small, fragile, and beautifully connected.”</p><p>When asked about fear and failure, he smiled: “Fear is natural. But curiosity must always be stronger. Keep learning, keep questioning — space needs everyone, not just astronauts.”</p><p>Dr Thomas’s message echoed the purpose of SARA itself: <strong>inspiration through experience</strong>. His words reminded every student in the room that greatness often begins with wonder.</p><h3><strong>Learning Through Experience</strong></h3><p>The relaunch featured several <strong>interactive exhibits</strong> and <strong>hands-on demonstrations</strong>, including a <strong>NASA Multi-Axis Astronaut Training Simulator</strong>, which let students experience what astronauts feel during flight rotations. Workshops on rocket construction, robotics programming, and AI-driven sustainability projects gave participants a taste of the challenges and rewards of working in space technology.</p><p>Each activity reinforced a simple idea — <strong>space exploration isn’t just science; it’s teamwork, perseverance, and imagination</strong>.</p><p>Students left with wide eyes and eager hearts, aware that they are part of a global movement to push the limits of what humanity can achieve.</p><h3><strong>Looking Toward the Next Frontier</strong></h3><p>As the event concluded, the excitement was palpable. SARA’s relaunch wasn’t just a milestone for the academy — it was a symbol of the <strong>UAE’s commitment to cultivating the scientists, engineers, and explorers of tomorrow</strong>.</p><p>In a world where technology evolves faster than ever, SARA stands as a beacon for youth who dare to dream big. It shows that the future of space exploration lies not only in rockets or telescopes but also in <strong>the courage to ask questions and imagine possibilities</strong>.</p><p>With programmes like SARA leading the charge, <strong>the UAE’s next generation is not just preparing for space — they’re preparing to shape the future</strong>.</p>