Scientists in Abu Dhabi have created artificial moon dust from the UAE’s natural resources, enhancing the country’s space exploration goals. Researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi’s Space Exploration Laboratory developed the substance, known as Emirates Lunar Simulant, to test space instruments and equipment for future lunar missions.
Dr Dimitra Atri led the research, which used anorthosite-rich rocks from the UAE that closely resembled the composition of the Moon. This development contributes to the country’s objective of sending an Emirati astronaut to the moon within a decade. Dr. Atri emphasised the value of utilising local geological resources to further planetary science and prepare for future moon missions.
Transporting Moon soil to Earth is impractical, therefore simulants are essential for mission preparation. The Abu Dhabi team, which includes researcher Vigneshwaran Krishnamoorthi and NYUAD students, is utilising the material to test landers, rovers, and lunar agriculture ideas. The simulant comes from the Semail Ophiolite Complex, an old UAE geological formation.
NYUAD has also established a planetary simulation chamber to simulate extreme space conditions, which will aid in studies for lunar, Mars, and asteroid expeditions.
