United Arab Emirates chosen to host the first SpaceOps Conference in the Arab world

The next edition of the International Space Operations Conference (SpaceOps 2023) will be held in March 2023 in the United Arab Emirates, the first to be held in an Arab country. The event is organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and supported by the International Technical Exchange Committee for Space Mission Operations and Earth Data Systems.

SpaceOps 2023 is part of the UAE's strategic plan to develop its space programme. The UAE has focused much of its efforts on establishing a foundation to become the undisputed leader in the global space industry with relevant initiatives such as the Mars Strategy 2117.  

This conference will have the theme "Invest in Space to Serve Earth and Beyond". Salem Humaid al-Marri, director general of the MBRSC, said they are fully committed to furthering their space exploration programme. "Holding this prestigious event for the first time in the Arab world is a confirmation of the UAE's unprecedented achievements in this sector."

Attendees will be able to experience and examine first-hand all phases of a space mission, as well as learn about the latest technology in use. Industry professionals, young people and students from all over the world will be able to discuss the current and future landscape of space operations. 

The organising committee has already announced that the deadline for applications is now open. Authors wishing to attend the event must submit a paper that has not been presented at another forum. In addition, they will have to stick to specific topics such as data management, architecture and communication networks or artificial intelligence for space operations, among others.

The organisation will give top priority to applications that emphasise unique practices, technologies and experiences from which other members of the space operations community can benefit. The application period ends in June 2022 and must be submitted to the SpaceOps Board of Directors.
   
The Conference is held every two years, however, the previous edition, which was to take place in May 2020, was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 crisis. The organisers were forced to hold it virtually, this being the first ever SpaceOps event to be held telematically.  

Despite this, the event was very well attended with more than 2,000 people from all over the world. Contributors were able to enjoy a number of pre-recorded and live-streamed sessions and presentations.

Since the International Space Operations Conference began in 1990, the United States has hosted the most editions, four, followed by Germany and France. The United Arab Emirates is not the first Eastern nation to host the event, as it has also been held in Japan and the Republic of Korea.

After the Dubai Media Office announced the new edition of the conference, the MBRSC created a promotional video that not only encourages candidates to attend the conference, but also showcases some of the country's achievements, such as the launch of satellites and the sending of the first Emirati astronaut to the International Space Station.