Sharjah:Twenty members of Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah (Sajaya), an affiliate of the Rubu'Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators, vicariously experienced life on the planet of Mars through a virtual educational journey that highlighted the major
differences between the red planet and Earth in a bid to encourage the young
generation to pursue the study of space sciences.

During the virtual journey which was held over Zoom platform and organised in
collaboration with Sharjah Center for Astronomy & Space Sciences at Sharjah
University, the young ladies were guided to carry out a hypothetical rescue mission by
formulating and executing a plan to provide food, medicine, tools and cosmic ray shields
to their colleagues on Mars.

During the programme which simulated an actual space journey, the young ladies learnt
about the various types of spacecraft such as Flyby, Orbiter, Atmospheric, Lander,
Penetrator, Rover, and Observatory, Communications & Navigation spacecraft. They

also learned how to spot the ideal landing spot on Mars, as well as the location to build
a city.

Sheikha Aisha Khalid Al Qasimi, Director of SYL, commented: "Through this virtual
journey, SYL introduced its members to amazing experiences that simulated actual
space travel, in a fun and safe environment and introduced the young ladies to the
space sciences. It will hopefully provide the impetus to encourage them to pursue
studies in the field and take it up as a profession. The programme was in line with the
vision of the wise leadership of the nation to raise a generation capable of and willing to
explore space."
Mr. Marwan Shwaiki, Deputy General Director of SAASST for Planetarium and Space
Exhibitions, stated that the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and
Technology (SAASST), which was founded by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin
Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah and
President of the University of Sharjah, as a national development project and research
center that seeks to serve and educate society in all areas of space science and to be a
world leader in space sciences and technology research while establishing the United
Arab Emirates as a scientific center in the Arab Gulf region and the world. In its
endeavour to achieve His Highness’s vision of paying attention to scientific research
and education that serves the development of society

Mr. Shwaiki added, SAASST organizes informative workshops, lectures, seminars, and
conferences that benefit professionals and amateurs in this field alike. SAASST also
adapts to circumstances such as COVID-19 and ensures the continuity of offering
services and the scientific material to the community utilizing available and new locally
and internationally developed means and technologies”.