UAE Space Agency and Kallman Worldwide sign MoU for Al Worden “Endeavour” Scholarship

The scholarship, named for Apollo 15 Command Module Pilot Col. Al Worden, USAF-Ret. and his spacecraft, pays all expenses for a week-long, hands-on astronaut training experience at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s renowned Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.

The Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship is a not-for-profit organization funded by proceeds from every Kallman USA Partnership Pavilion at leading aerospace and defense exhibitions around the world, plus sponsors, donors and partners such as the UAE Space Agency. Awards are based on merit as determined by select stakeholders in participating air show communities, and reviewed by a Space Camp team including Worden.

The awards announced at the Dubai Airshow will be the first of 40 scheduled to be presented at major air shows around the world over the next two years.

As one of only 24 people who have flown from the Earth to the Moon and back, Worden is a role model for career engineers. In the decades following his historic 1971 flight, he has applied his business acumen, technical talents and passion for innovation to a wide range of interests in industry, academia and public service. In particular, he is an active advocate for the future engineering workforce — in all disciplines — and the communities in which they live and work around the world.

“Current events, including the 50th Anniversary this year of man’s first steps on the Moon and the successful flight of UAE’s first astronaut in space, Hazzaa al-Mansoori, provide a unique opportunity to reflect on the positive impact space programs have had on society, and re-emphasize the need for continued support of public and private initiatives dedicated to aerospace exploration and commerce,” said Kallman Worldwide President and CEO, Tom Kallman. “Nation-to-nation, in partnership with the UAE Space Agency, industry partners in the United States and the leaders of Space Camp, the world’s premiere astronaut training experience, we’re proud to present the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship to honor the past and inspire the future of space exploration in the UAE.” 

Mohammed Al Ahbabi, director general of the UAE Space Agency said: “Since its inception in 2014, the UAE Space Agency has established relationships with major international agencies including more than 30 MoUs and agreements signed with global space experts. The agreement with Kallman Worldwide furthers our strategy to grow through international collaboration, knowledge transfer and the exchange of ideas.

“Space offers a platform for innovation, it is a model for cooperation and, more importantly, it offers the tools to inspire and raise optimism for the next generation of space entrepreneurs,” said H.E. Dr. Eng. Al Ahbabi. “The UAE Space Agency is proud to work with the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship and its industry partners to strengthen connections between our nation and the global space community.”