The Propulsion and Space Research Center (PSRC) has appointed three new advisors: Prof. Dr. Roberto Sabatini, Dr. Mohamed Al Ahbabi, and Prof. Dr. Pericles Pilidis. These experts bring experience in aerospace, defense, space exploration, and gas turbine performance. The appointments aim to strengthen PSRC's research capabilities and contribute to the UAE's space exploration goals. Why it matters: The addition of experienced advisors signals the UAE's continued investment in building local expertise in advanced aerospace technologies and space exploration.
Dr. Elias Tsoutsanis, Executive Director of the Propulsion and Space Research Center (PSRC), has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS). The fellowship recognizes outstanding contributions to aeronautics and a distinguished career in the industry. Dr. Tsoutsanis believes this recognition will enable PSRC and TII to deepen engagement with the international aerospace ecosystem and foster collaborative research opportunities. Why it matters: This accolade enhances the visibility and credibility of UAE-based research institutions like PSRC within the global aerospace community, potentially attracting further partnerships and investments.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) successfully launched the UAE’s first sounding rocket with hybrid propulsion, reaching an altitude of 3 kilometers. The rocket features a fully UAE-designed, tested, and operated propulsion system using nitrous oxide and high-density polyethylene. The design eliminates complex ground infrastructure and cryogenic handling, enhancing operational safety and efficiency. Why it matters: This marks a major milestone for the UAE's space program, demonstrating the nation's capability to independently build and launch advanced aerospace systems.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has successfully designed, built, and test-fired the UAE’s first liquid rocket engine, a 250-newton thruster. The engine achieved combustion efficiencies of up to 94% during testing, with over 50 successful firings. The program aims to scale propulsion designs and develop advanced engine technologies. Why it matters: This milestone strengthens the UAE's sovereign space capabilities and enables the design of propulsion systems for orbital maneuvering and future space missions.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has announced new leadership appointments across multiple research centers. Dr. Elias Tsoutsanis is the Acting Chief Researcher at the Propulsion and Space Research Center (PSRC), and Prof. Enrico Natalizio is the Chief Researcher of the Autonomous Robotics Research Center (ARRC). Other appointments include Dr. Felix Vega as Acting Chief Researcher of the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC), Dr. Victor Mateu as Acting Chief Researcher of the Cryptography Research Center (CRC), and Prof. Vincenzo Giannini as Chief Researcher of the Advanced Materials Research Center. Why it matters: These appointments signal TII's commitment to strengthening its research capabilities and driving technological innovation in key areas, potentially leading to significant advancements in various fields within the UAE and beyond.
Mani Sarathy, an associate professor of chemical engineering, has been appointed Associate Director of the Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC) at KAUST. Sarathy is part of the University’s Physical Science and Engineering Division. The announcement did not detail specific research directions. Why it matters: This signals KAUST's continued investment in and focus on clean combustion research.
Researchers at TII have had their lunar research accepted for publication in Nature Communications. The paper unveils hidden magmatic pathways beneath the Moon’s Oceanus Procellarum region using gravity mapping data from NASA's GRAIL mission. The research indicates various volcanic systems could be connected by horizontal magmatic conduits stretching up to 150 kilometers beneath the lunar surface, offering the first evidence of long-distance lateral magma transport on the Moon. Why it matters: The discovery enhances understanding of volcanic processes on the Moon and solidifies TII’s position in space and planetary sciences.