Apollo 15 Command Module Pilot and Virgin Galactic to be presented at Dubai Airshow

Among them are Apollo 15 Command Module Pilot Col. Al Worden, USAF-Ret; George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic; Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency and Omran Sharaf, Project Manager, Emirates Mars Mission, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

In addition, the UAE’s investments in space technologies have already exceeded AED 20 billion (USD 5.4 billion) while its ambitions include the Mission to Mars Hope mission planned for 2021.

“I am excited to attend the Dubai Airshow for the first time, to see first-hand how the UAE’s vision for leadership in aerospace and aviation supports this world-class event, and to see how the event creates excitement and support around the world for the UAE’s vision,” said Col. Worden. “I am especially honoured to be invited to participate in the show’s Space Pavilion Conference as an advocate for STEM education. For explorers of all ages, on earth and across the universe, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are the most vital tools of the trade.”

The Space Conference at the Dubai Airshow takes place 13-14 November and is accompanied by a dedicated pavilion within the exhibition hall, where relevant companies including the UAE Space Agency, Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES) and ISS Reshetnev will be exhibiting side-by-side for the whole five days.

“The addition of the Space Conference and Pavilion is one of the new features for 2017 that is ensuring the Dubai Airshow continues to represent all sectors of the aerospace industry,” said Michele van Akelijen, managing director of show organisers Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East.

“We are proud to be able to include Col. Worden in the event and look forward to hearing about his unique experiences as the UAE Space Agency leads the country towards an exciting future.”