How Space Exploration Can Transform a Nation | Dr. Noora Alsaeed

Space exploration is no longer reserved for global superpowers.As countries across the Global South invest more seriously in science, a bigger question emerges: how can research, curiosity, and long-term investment help shape a nation’s future both on Earth and beyond it?In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Dr. Noora Alsaeed, planetary scientist and Science Principal Investigator for the Emirates Mars Mission, about the UAE’s journey into space, the role of science in national development, women in STEM, the pressures facing young researchers, and what it takes to build stronger scientific ecosystems across the Global South.Tune in to learn:→ Why the Global South has always contributed to scientific discovery→ How political stability and economic priorities influence scientific progress→ Why space exploration can strengthen technology, engineering, and innovation→ What planetary scientists actually do with data from Mars missions→ How the Emirates Mars Mission inspired a new generation of scientists→ Why international collaboration is essential to modern space exploration→ What makes careers in science difficult for young researchers→ How governments and institutions can build stronger scientific ecosystemsKey Moments1:13 What it feels like to work as a planetary scientist2:09 Looking into the past to understand the future3:26 The Global South’s contribution to scientific knowledge11:12 Why middle powers should invest in space exploration14:44 What a planetary scientist actually does22:12 Women in science and the UAE’s unique experience26:29 The ambition behind the Emirates Mars Mission39:22 Building stronger scientific ecosystems in the Global SouthFollow Global SouthingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthingListen to the podcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0R17ovyZOxFjSrIGM5TjcZ?si=580a700875544cb1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-southing/id1874600009