Abigail Harrison, also known as Astronaut Abby, American STEM education and space exploration advocate, will meet with leaders of the United Arab Emirates Space Agency and tour the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). Harrison is there specifically to view and experience the Hope Mars Probe program due to launch in 2020, and to speak at the Project Space event, featuring a number of international personalities in the space industry.

“It is an honor to be invited to tour the UAE Space Agency and see first-hand the commitment of this agency to the future of space. I am looking forward to gaining a personal view of the upcoming work the UAE is doing in Mars exploration with their Mars Hope Probe and other programs,” said Harrison. “Getting humans to Mars is something that will require collaboration among nations and private industry and I am honored to be a part of helping to share the Emirates Mars Mission with the world while representing my country.”

Touting a social media audience of over 600,000 fans and followers, Harrison is a recognized as a leader in her generation, the Mars generation - identified as the generation expected to first step foot on Mars in 2030.

Emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the field of space exploration and inspiring youth toward a future in STEM and space, the UAE Space Agency has invited the 19-year-old aspiring astronaut to: 

Tour the Emirates Mars Mission - the Hope Probe currently in the manufacture stages at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC.
Meet with leaders of the UAE Space Agency and tour the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.
Tour several UAE universities and meet with students and faculty collaborating with the UAE Space program.
Speak at Project Space January 24-25, 2017. This prominent space industry event brings the finest minds in the space sector to Dubai to share knowledge, ideas, their discoveries, and their hopes for an industry that will define the future of humanity. Renowned planetary scientist and leader of the NASA Cassini imaging science team, Dr. Carolyn Porco and Caltech Professor of Planetary Astronomy, Dr. Michael Brown and many other notable speakers, will join Harrison.
Tour Dubai and see local history and attractions to gain an understanding of the culture and people.
Commenting on the forthcoming visit of Abigail Harrison, Mona Al Qemzi, Assistant Director General at MBRSC, said: “Young people represent an important influence for STEM and space exploration. We are delighted to host a bright, motivated, and inspiring voice of the Mars generation and we look forward to having Abby share her stories with our community and agency.”