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Biodomes in Emirati desert will create Mars-like conditions to train astronauts
25 Jun, 2021 / 03:30 AM / OMNES Media LLC

Source: http://me.mashable.com

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The Emirati space vehicle Hope Probe has embarked on its mission to collect information about the Martian atmosphere, after successfully entering the planet's orbit in its first attempt. The UAE's stellar feat was witnessed live audiences across the globe, who lauded it, but the country's space race is only getting started.

Before the Hope Probe made its way towards the red planet, the Emirates had already built its own satellite and trained its first pair of cosmonauts to land on the International Space Station. Buoyed by these galactic achievements, UAE is already laying the groundwork to prepare astronauts to work in harsh climatic conditions on Mars.

As part of its sky high ambitions to build an Emirati colony on the red globe, the gulf's tech oasis will start building a city in the desert, which will simulate the Martian environment. Scientists and astronauts will be able to conduct research inside the pressurised biodomes, that'll act as their window into Earth's neighbour.

The project had been announced back in 2017, but construction will start next year, since a team was collecting information on different requirements for the city. After 18 months of mapping out resources, authorities will now rope in experts to design the layout for the Martian replica.

Spectacular images of the planet sent back by Hope Probe over past few months, will provide additional insights for creating a more accurate model of the red sphere. Architects have already pitched plans for 3D underground buildings, along with a solar energy parks to power the ecosystem.

The city which'll also focus on increasing academic knowhow for local space exploration enthusiasts, is expected to cover an area equivalent to 24 football pitches.

As the administration prepares a separate environment to prepare future astronauts, its first set of cosmonauts is already training at NASA, for their next galactic voyage. Not just that, the duo also helped with the selection of the next Emirati space travelers as well.