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Scientist-astronaut Malik Malkawi is working to make space travel as accessible as commercial aviation, with the UAE positioned as a hub for this transformation. Malkawi, founder of Borderless Labs Inc (Blinc), aims to replicate the growth of aviation by establishing necessary infrastructure for space travel.

In June 2023, Virgin Galactic launched the first commercial suborbital flight, marking a turning point for the industry. Blinc conducted its inaugural test flight in partnership with ActionFlight Ras Al Khaimah, featuring G-force aerobatic experiences to train future astronauts.

The global space economy reached $570 billion in 2023, with projections of $2 trillion by 2040. Malkawi notes that the UAE has the vision and resources to fill the gap in space programs outside the Americas, Europe, and parts of Asia. Blinc plans to expand operations across the UAE, offering various astronaut training experiences and educational initiatives.