DUBAI - Three proposals to build settlements in space have been chosen to receive support from the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Accelerated Research, MBR CAR.
The initiative, sponsored by the Dubai Future Foundation, has completed 35 scientific studies as part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Settlement Challenge, in collaboration with Guaana, a new scientific research funding platform.
Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, stressed the importance of supporting and sharing scientific knowledge, and develop new industries and proactive solutions for challenges to be faced in the future. "These scientific studies reflect the efforts of the centre to support scientific research related to space settlement - technology that will improve life on Earth, as well. This is in line with the Dubai Future Foundation's keenness to cooperate and partner with research institutions around the world to create new ideas and innovations for a better future," he added.
Through a rigorous evaluation process, the studies were selected by peer review among 275 scientists who applied for the funding. They came from various disciplines and leading universities and research centres in the USA, UK, Switzerland, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Morocco, UAE and others.
Three prototypes developed in these studies already show promising results.
In one study, Dr Tara Karimi and Moji Karimi of Cemvita Factory tested a technology that replicates photosynthesis: the process by which plants take in carbon dioxide and water and turn it into oxygen and glucose.
Astronauts typically exhale one kilogram of carbon dioxide every day, which could be collected, processed and recycled into compounds that are useful in space travel. Given that carbon dioxide also makes up 95 percent of the Martian atmosphere, this method suggests that space settlements in the future could create their own oxygen, glucose and other compounds from the air around them. This technology might be even more critical for challenges on earth, such as reducing carbon emissions to tackle climate change.
The scientists confirmed that the funding for this research helped them to develop prototypes to not only reduce the cost of capturing carbon, but also helps recycle carbon dioxide into other useful materials.
The challenge, in collaboration with Guaana, received 275 research proposals, which were submitted from over 200 universities in 55 countries. The 35 selected research projects received up to AED50,000 funding each to further their studies.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2019.
