July 26, 2022
3 mins read

UAE astronaut picked for 6-month ISS mission

Sultan Al Neyadi will become he first Arab astronaut to spend six months aboard the International Space Station, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the UAE is strengthening its stature in the space sector, due to its people’s determination and ambition, noting that Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi represents an honourable model for the Emirati and Arab youth.

They made this statement during the announcement of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) of the selection of Al Neyadi to participate in the first long-term mission to the International Space Station (ISS), as part of a NASA, Space-X and Crew-6 mission that will launch in spring 2023.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed congratulated the Emirati people on Al Neyadi’s selection for the mission, noting that the UAE has become the 11th country in history to participate in a long-term mission to space.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted that Al Neyadi is a role model for the Emirati youth who we are proud of, and will be an ambassador for all Arabs in the space race, stressing that the country is establishing the foundations of this vital sector by supplying it with qualified national cadres, launching further scientific projects related to space exploration, and supporting related industries.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said Al Neyadi was selected among several Emirati astronauts to be the first Arab astronaut to engage in a long-term space mission to the ISS.

Al Neyadi will spend six months aboard the ISS, during which he will conduct many in-depth and advanced scientific experiments as part of the UAE Astronaut Programme, which aims to train and prepare a team of Emirati astronauts and send them to space to carry out various scientific missions. Al Neyadi’s mission came after the signing of a strategic partnership agreement last April between the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and Axiom Space, a US company specialising in space flights and the development of space infrastructure.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the MBRSC, said the UAE’s National Space Programme is based on the proactive vision of the country’s leadership aimed at foreseeing the future, noting that it will help boost the UAE’s regional and international stature in the space sector.

Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General of the MBRSC, said Al Neyadi completed intensive training courses as a substitute astronaut during the Zayed Ambition mission in 2018, and he has received an astronaut badge from NASA’s Johnson Space Centre.

After the agreement’s signing in April 2022, Al Neyadi was selected to participate in a six-month mission to the ISS.

The UAE Astronaut Programme launched by the MBRSC aims to establish the infrastructure of the UAE’s space sector and is one of the most inspiring programmes that aims to meet the aspirations of young people with unique scientific capacities and personal skills.

It also aims to develop the capabilities of Emirati astronauts and enable them to operate the ISS.

Al Neyadi ‘s selection is part of a new mission, for which he intensively prepared at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre.

ALSO READ: UAE reports 3 more monkeypox cases

Previous Story

Kerala Blasters launch senior women’s team

Next Story

Emirates Health Services raises efficiency through PaCE

Latest from -Top News

World Powers Gather for G7

The leaders had unveiled its slimmed-down agenda on Sunday, prioritising discussions on the global economy and energy security….reports Asian Lite News Several world leaders have gathered at the Canadian Rockies for the

Israel Takes Out Iran Spy Leaders

Among those killed were Mohammad Khatami, head of the IRGC Intelligence Organisation since 2022, and his deputy Mohammad Hassan Mahkaghi….reports Asian Lite News Israel on Monday announced that four high-ranking Iranian intelligence

Iran May Quit Nuclear Treaty

The NPT, a landmark international treaty that came into force in 1970, seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons…reports Asian Lite News Amid rising tensions with Israel, Iran announced Monday that

Modi, Cyprus President Hold Talks

Both leaders explored avenues to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, security, and technology…reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held wide-ranging discussions with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides at the

Jaishankar Dials UAE, Armenia as Mideast Heats Up

EAM Jaishankar discussed the fast-evolving situation and emphasised the importance of dialogue and cooperation….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held telephonic conversations with his counterparts in the United Arab
Go toTop

Don't Miss

MBZ Begins Historic France Visit

UAE and France are aiming to bolster joint action to

Pradhan Visits BAPS Hindu Mandir

During the visit, the minister expressed his gratitude towards PM