Will you be part of the UAE’s future space crew with NSA?
The UAE is kicking off a brand-new Space Mission and Satellite Engineering Programme (SMSE), and it sounds straight-up stellar.
Launched by the National Space Academy (yep, we have one of those now!) and powered by a collaboration with local tech heavyweight EDGE, the programme is all about building the UAE’s next generation of space talent.
So what’s on the launchpad?
Over ten weeks, from 16 September to 20 November, 2025; a handpicked crew of Emirati professionals, grads, and researchers will dive into real-world training in everything from designing satellites to running space missions.
Think hands-on labs, simulation missions, cool site visits, and tools that NASA would be proud of.
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The SMSE programme breaks down into five epic modules:
Designing Space Missions
Applied Space Systems Engineering
System Verification & Validation (aka: testing the tech)
Space Mission Operations
And a final team project that simulates planning and launching a real satellite
The best part is its open exclusively to UAE nationals working in space, tech, or research , or even fresh graduates ready to launch their careers sky-high.
Sessions will be held across some of the UAE’s top training and space tech centers, including the UAE Space Agency HQ, BEACON RED’s advanced training facility, and FADA’s engineering labs.
With space ambitions soaring, this is the UAE’s way of making sure there’s a crew ready to build, launch, and lead the country’s next big missions.
And who knows, some of these trainees might just end up putting the UAE’s next satellite into orbit.
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