To infinity and beyond: All about the UAE Astronaut Programme
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) introduced the Astronaut Programme, the first of its kind in the region, in 2017. In 2018, two Emirati astronauts, Hazzaa Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi, were selected to participate in scientific research and experiments. The first UAE Mission to the International Space Station was a huge success in September 2019 — when Hazza Al Mansouri became the first Emirati to travel to outer space.
Another milestone is in the making as astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi will be spending six months at the International Space Station as part of the Nasa-SpaceX Crew 6 Mission,
With every mission, the programme is helping humanity discover the secrets of universe and inspiring young minds in the Arab and Muslim world.
UAE ASTRONAUT PROGRAMME
The UAE Astronaut Programme was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces in 2017. The programme aims to cultivate a culture of scientific exploration and motivate the country’s youth to study space science and technology as well as see it as a viable career.
In 2018, Hazzaa Al Mansoori and Sultan Al Neyadi were selected from over 4,000 applicants for the UAE’s first space mission. After extensive training, the lead astronaut, Hazza Al Mansoori, started an eight-day mission on the Soyuz MS-15 spacecraft in September 2019, which was just the first step in this direction.
Both Hazzaa Al Mansoori and Sultan Al Neyadi have undergone the initial training at the NASA Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas. The plan was to have more astronauts join them by 2021 as many more UAE space missions await.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) invited applications for the second batch of The UAE Astronaut Programme following that successful first mission. Over 4,300 individuals applied to become part of the future scientific and manned space exploration missions. And after an extensive process, Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla were selected from that group.
Nora’s selection in particular was historic as she is all set to become the world’s first Arab female astronaut.
The success of the astronaut programme is largely possible because of the incredibly talented workforce at the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre. The staff works day and night to support the UAE’s vision of a prosperous future based on knowledge and scientific research.
AIMS OF THE UAE ASTRONAUT PROGRAMME
The goals of the UAE Astronaut Programme were outlined at the time of the launch. The primary aim is to prepare Emirati astronauts according to the highest international standards. Other goals are as follows.
- Promote the vision of a prosperous future of the country based on scientific research and knowledge.
- Work to build up UAE’s status in the international space industry by making active contributions to manned space missions.
- Prepare a national team of astronauts and national scientific corps.
- Inspire a new generation to take up and be successful in STEM subjects.
- Promote a culture of research, innovation and exploration.
THE FIRST UAE ASTRONAUT PROGRAMME EXPERIMENTS
Hazza Al Mansoori and his fellow team members conducted several crucial experiments related to microgravity during the eight-day mission.
The list of experiments included Locomotions, Motor Control, Accelerations, Architecture, Tendometry, Sensory Adaptation, Brain DTI, DNAm-Age, Balance, Soyuz Occupant Risk, Cardiovector, Osteology, Countermeasures, Fluidics, Standard Measures and Time Perception in Microgravity.
THE SECOND BATCH OF THE UAE ASTRONAUT PROGRAMME
Like the first batch, the second mission was only open for Emirati nationals. Those who are proficient in English and Arabic and have a bachelors or higher degree could apply for a spot. The minimum age to be eligible to apply was 18 years. As mentioned, 4,300 people had applied via the MBRSC website before the cut off date in May 2020.
Among the candidates, there were 1,400 women and 130 PhD doctors. Among these applicants, 48% held a bachelors degree while 16% have a master’s degree. Engineering, medicine, science and business administration remain the top specialisations among the applicants. The average age of applicants was 28 and the oldest applicant was 60 years old.
The selected duo, Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla, made the cut after overcoming significant testing. Both are training alongside NASA’s 10-member Astronaut Candidate Class at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, USA.
NASA-SPACEX CREW 6 MISSION
The UAE is set to achieve another milestone as astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi is all set to be part of a six-month mission to the ISS.
Mr Al Neyadi, who has a PHD in IT and degrees in engineering will serve as a mission specialist. The Nasa-SpaceX Crew 6 mission will commence next year. His time at the ISS will increase the knowledge and experience of the UAE space programme team. He will conduct in-dept scientific experiments as part of the UAE’s astronaut programme’s agenda.
Mr Al Neyadi has completed his two years of basic astronaut candidate training. This includes survival training, spacewalks and more. Among others, he will be joined by NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg, the spacecraft commander and pilot of the mission.
FAQS
WHAT WAS THE SELECTION PROCESS LIKE?
A committee of 10 specialists, including Hazzaa Al Mansoori and Sultan Al Neyadi, evaluated candidates after the initial evaluation and interviews. All shortlisted applicants went through an elaborate series of tests. This included personal interviews, mental and physical assessments and a medical exam.
WHERE CAN I READ ABOUT UAE’S MARS AND VENUS MISSIONS?
Read our guide to the MBRSC’S Mars Mission and Venus Mission to understand how the UAE is helping in achieving advancements in space exploration. Read more about the incredible journey of Hazzaa Al Mansoori.
The UAE space program is inspiring a new generation of astronauts. These steps are viewed as the foundation of a much greater effort to explore what lies beyond our horizon. Significant work is on going to ensure UAE remains at the forefront of space exploration.
Those interested in space matters would also be delighted to know that UAE will be hosting the International Astronautical Congress in Dubai.
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