The\u00a0UAE Space Agency<\/a>\u00a0has launched a survey to measure how the space sector has contributed to the national economy.<\/p>\n As the government announces more space projects and the number of\u00a0private space companies<\/a>\u00a0increases in the UAE, the agency wants to carry out an extensive study of the sector.<\/p>\n The survey will focus on the number of companies working in the sector, foreign investment and the total spending on space projects.<\/p>\n It will also explore efforts to invest in research and development and space exploration, as well as the number of people employed in the sector.<\/p>\n Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Future Technology and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, announced the survey on Monday.<\/p>\n \u201cThe economic survey project for the space sector in the UAE is an important tool that helps in enhancing the decision-making process, drawing strategic policies, contributing to economic indicators, in addition to preparing national space plans and programmes,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Ms Al Amiri said the results would also support the work of start-ups and small and medium-size companies, and boost research projects.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will increase the UAE’s investment attractiveness in space projects and much more,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Figures from 2019 show the UAE\u2019s investments in space exceeded Dh22 billion ($5.99bn), with 57 space-related establishments operating in the country helping create 1,500 jobs.<\/p>\n Since the launch of the UAE\u2019s Mars mission in 2020, more private companies have set up in the Emirates.<\/p>\n The Dh735 million mission involved the\u00a0Hope<\/a>\u00a0spacecraft, which has been orbiting the Red Planet since February 9, 2021.<\/p>\n As the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and UAE Space Agency launch more projects, private companies try to win government contracts that will help them participate in missions.<\/p>\n The space centre is overseeing the development of MBZ-Sat, an imaging satellite, but private companies have mostly been responsible for building it.<\/p>\n The private sector will also be involved in the UAE\u2019s asteroid belt mission, overseen by the space agency.<\/p>\n Abdulla Al Marar, head of space projects at the space agency, told\u00a0The National<\/i>\u00a0that the survey would have a strong focus on the private sector.<\/p>\n \u201cThat’s a major focus of the government today and not only through the survey, but also a lot of initiatives and strategies \u2013 we focus a lot on the private sector,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Mars mission has contributed directly to the economy, but also in the number of start-ups, small and medium enterprises being established.<\/p>\n \u201cIt really shed light on the space economy and the opportunities in space.\u201d<\/p>\n Globally, space agencies are trying to get the private sector more involved to help reduce government spending.<\/p>\n Nasa<\/a>\u00a0has worked with companies such as SpaceX to send astronauts to space again, with Boeing developing its Starliner crew capsule.<\/p>\n The UAE Space Agency has launched a Dh3bn national investment and development fund for the space sector, with private companies to benefit most.<\/p>\nSupport for start-ups<\/b><\/h2>\n