Discover inspiring space missions and out-of-this-world achievements ‎on Expo 2020 Dubai’s Space Walk‎

Offering the perfect way to motivate the next generation to explore space and overcome challenges to the sector, Expo 2020 Dubai’s Space Walk journey blasts off on a fascinating voyage through space missions and future explorations that brings alive humanity’s relationship with the final frontier.

Marks one year since the UAE’s Hope probe – the Arab world's first interplanetary mission – successfully arrived in the orbit around Mars – a mission that continues to inspire Arab youth and women, with 80 per cent of the programme’s scientific team female and the UAE’s astronaut corps including Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Arab woman astronaut.

Expo 2020’s curated space journey celebrates the UAE’s bold Mission, along with achievements in the field by countries such as Canada, France, India and New Zealand, and aims to inspire everyone – ahead of International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February – to explore the possibilities of outer space.

Using technology and immersive techniques, the Space Walk journey honours the feats of nations and tells the story of how these missions have contributed to improving life on Earth, in the face of numerous challenges, including climate change and environmental degradation.

 
Start at the Australia Pavilion, where you can discover ancient indigenous techniques of night-sky navigation and their uses of modern technologies.

Next, there is a rare opportunity to see the ‘mission control’ of the UAE’s ambitious space programme and marvel at the achievements of the Hope Mission to Mars in Alif – The Mobility Pavilion, celebrating the nation’s entry into the elite club of countries that have voyaged into space.

France was among the very early pioneers of space exploration. At the France Pavilion, you are invited to embark on an immersive journey to outer space and discover how the French Space Agency has been pushing frontiers and contributing to the collective knowledge of space exploration.

Move on to the Canada Pavilion, which offers a theatre experience that eloquently celebrates the nation’s position as an innovation powerhouse, providing glimpses into its past, present and future programmes.

 
Head to the New Zealand Pavilion, where you can meet with aerospace manufacturer Rocket Lab to learn about the delivery of small satellites to low Earth orbit.

Another country making fascinating strides in space exploration is India. An immersive exhibit at the India Pavilion showcases the Indian space programme and its applications in health, defence and natural resource management.

Designed in the shape of a spaceship, the Kazakhstan Pavilion’s Future Hub looks at pioneering technologies and scientific advancements.

Marvel at the 43 metre-tall SpaceX rocket model at the USA Pavilion, where you can also see pieces of moon rock and a Mars rover.

Amble over to Latifa’s Playground, where children can learn about Latifa’s adventures across space by climbing to Mars through fun nets in the Latifa and The Space City playground.

 The Norway Pavilion is showcasing how maritime and space industries collide through an interactive journey, from beneath the seabed, through the ocean and up to space.

Inspired by Professor Stephen Hawking’s project, the UK Pavilion highlights artificial intelligence and the space sector by bringing the future of space travel to life.

Complete your journey at the Luxembourg Pavilion, where you can explore the country’s pioneering work in satellite communications for the exploration of space.

Space Week, held in association with the UAE Space Agency and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) last October, was one of 10 Theme Weeks under Expo 2020’s Programme for People and Planet, presenting an array of content, expert discussions and more, that probed the benefits, solutions and challenges of exploring beyond earth’s orbit.

Text, photos and video: Expo Dubai 2020.