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ME scientists join NASA desert expedition

Washington, February 22, 2011

For the first time in the Middle East region a joint team of leading Nasa and Emirati scientists have embarked on an astrobiological study of extreme desert environments.

Nasa said the study is part of its Spaceward Bound, a continuing program of desert expeditions to extreme environments on Earth that are astrobiology analogs for the search for life on Mars.

The program enables local scientists (university professors), in-service and pre-service science teachers, and students to participate with Nasa scientists and researchers in the exploration of Earth-based Moon and Mars analogs of scientific interest.

Each year Nasa Ames Research Center’s Spaceward Bound scientific team selects one desert internationally and for 2011 the Arab Youth Venture Foundation (AYVF) and Nasa are collaborating to conduct this research in Abu Dhabi.

Founded in 2007, AYVF delivers innovative hands-on activities that foster creative expression and critical thinking skills in youth 6-21 thereby empowering the next generation of UAE’s future workforce, corporate leaders, and entrepreneurs.

The Spaceward Bound expedition is sponsored by Lockheed Martin, a global leader in the design and production of spacecraft that helps scientists understand our planet from a new perspective.

While in UAE, the research team plans to study the surface transitions and microbial life from the sandy dunes and desert pavement (gravel surfaces) in areas of Al Ain and Al Gharbia.

The strong radiative fog in the area along with the salt crust microbial communities in the Sabkha (salt marshes) along the coast will also be studied.

Lisa LaBonte, CEO of AYVF said, "In organising Spaceward Bound 2011, a key feature of the program enabled us to augment Nasa's scientific team with leading scientists from the Arab world."

"In doing so, we believe we've created a very robust team across various scientific disciplines to undertake this unique desert science field expedition," she noted.

"Spaceward Bound is an outstanding Nasa education program that brings together its scientists and science teachers," said Pete S. Worden, center director of Nasa Ames Research Center, Silicon Valley, California.

"It's a great opportunity for classroom teachers to participate in real field studies to enhance their research experience and skills,” Worden added.

Dr Ray O. Johnson, senior VP and chief technology officer, said “Nasa’s Spaceward Bound 2011 in the UAE desert, is one activity Lockheed Martin supports that will build international partnerships and help ensure a pipeline of technical talent for the increasingly complex global security landscape.”-TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Lockheed martin | NASA desert expedition | Spaceward Bound | Arab Youth Venture Foundation |

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