It is a historic moment for the UAE as Emirati astronaut Dr Sultan Al Neyadi carries out a 6-month space mission from the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Crew-6.
This mission not only represents a major milestone for the UAE but also serves as a symbol of hope and inspiration for the entire region as the country seeks to diversify its economy and drive innovation in the field of space exploration.
The launch date and time of the first Arab long-duration astronaut mission is scheduled for 27 February at 10:45 AM (UAE time), the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced via Twitter on Wednesday last week.
UAE space mission live streaming:
UAE astronaut mission
Al Neyadi is the prime astronaut of the mission, while Hazzaa Al Mansoori is a backup crew.
Al Neyadi also said he will share dates with colleagues on the International Space Station during Ramadan.
The planned duration of six months means Al Neyadi and colleagues on the Space X mission will be in outer space during Ramadan.
Al Neyadi and three fellow astronauts scheduled to fly to the International Space Station at the weekend addressed the media during a press conference at the Kennedy Space Station on Tuesday.
Sultan Al Neyadi to celebrate Ramadan in space
Asked about what he will do to represent Emirati culture in space, Neyadi hinted at a special announcement to come.
Al Neyadi earlier said: “It is yet to be announced or shown, but definitely we have a lot of stuff going on. I want to share some Emirati food on board. I love dates. I’m going to take dates, and hopefully I’m going to share this with everybody, especially in Ramadan.
“This is a request from the commander and I cannot say no to my commander”.
The UAE astronaut went on to acknowledge the history of Arabs in space.
Identifying Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan bin Salman as the first Arab in space he also explained there had been a Syrian astronaut in 1987.
After the UAE’s Hazzaa Al Mansoori in 2019, Neyadi will become the fourth Arab in space when he blasts off to space in five days.
The UAE pioneer will be joined at the International Space Station by male and female astronauts from Saudi Arabia later in the year. It is a sign of the growing interest and importance of the Middle East in international space exploration and research.
“Our region is thirsty to learn more and I think we will be the ambassadors in these missions. Hopefully, we can come back with knowledge and share whatever we learn with everybody.”
Neyadi, a keen jiu-jitsu enthusiast also revealed he will keep up with training while on the International Space Station. He said: “I am a jiu-jitsu practitioner. I train doing jiu-jitsu. So I have a kimono that I am going to wear on board and probably do some moves”.
Return ‘safe and sound’, says UAE president
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also spoke to Sultan Al Neyadi on the eve of his journey to the ISS.
“Everyone is excited and waiting for this historic moment, your Highness”, Al Neyadi told the President in a video conversation shared by Emirates News Agency (WAM).
“May God protect you wherever you may be and may you return safe and sound. We are looking forward to your return,” Sheikh Mohamed said.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, also extended his wishes to Al Neyadi and spoke of the nation’s pride via Twitter.
“Inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed’s vision, Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi is set to embark on a 6-month mission to the International Space Station,’ Sheikh Hamdan’s tweet reads.
“We are proud of Sultan, MBRSC and everyone who aspires to achieve the best for the UAE,” he added.
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