What it takes to join the space sector

Passion to learn about space and technology, quick learning abilities, the ability to think outside box are the criteria one needs to be part of the space sector

While the space programme's representatives said it was challenging to get young scientists and engineers on board, the selection of graduate is currently very selective.
Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al Harmi, Director of Space Operations Department at MBRSC, said love for challenge is the main drive in space.
"Challenge is what made me join the team in the start," said Al Harmi, who was part of the team in charge of DubaiSat1 and DubaiSat2 in South Korea and now is leader of the ground segment system engineering for the Emirates Mars Mission.
And challenge is the concept he continues to follow with fresh graduates and senior engineers in his team.
"I assign my team with difficult tasks because we only learn from mistakes. Obstacles also drive new ideas," said Al Harmi.
Passion to learn about space and technology, quick learning abilities, the ability to think outside box, and strong personalities are the main criteria Al Harmi looks at.
"Space is not only about satellites and things in space, it largely depends on people on the ground to develop applications and operate satellites. To come up with innovative technologies and high level sophisticated designs, you need great communicators who can innovate."
The centre, he said, gives the environment for fresh graduates to innovate and build. According to him, fresh graduates are key to new ideas, with slight guidance.
"While last year was marked as the Year of Innovation, 2016 is the Year of Reading because from reading, you will get innovation and from innovation, you have to develop final product to benefit the world. It is all connected."
While career paths could change as people progress in the workplace, in space, setting a career direction should come at an early stage. "Here, we are all about engineers and scientists," said Al Harmi.
For him, the story of the centre revolves around giving back to the country. "We want to share that knowledge with young people because they will be the ones to continue the centre's mission. What we started is the baseline, the seeds of what future generations will grow."
With all the sacrifice and hardwork, Al Harmi said the experience has so far been rewarding. "Now, I have my programme in space, imagine how that feels," he said, referring to his work on DubaiSat2.
- sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE