The UAE’s journey into space is just beginning, and the possibilities are limitless after Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi’s successful long-haul mission onboard the ISS. Now UAE’s space agency plans to send new and previously flown astronauts into space again, while shorter assignments are also on the agenda for Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre (MBRSC).
Salem Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), spoke on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow on Monday and reiterated the agency’s plan.
Although he did not disclose a date for the upcoming human space flight missions, MBRSC is actively working to ensure astronauts remain well-prepared soon. The emphasis is placed on physical and mental fitness, as these factors play a crucial role in mission readiness.
Al-Marri said, “We have four astronauts, two of whom flew to space. But we won’t just send the new ones; we also want to fly the two who’ve already been on a mission. Even they want to fly again. We have a continuous stretch of missions, and the new crop – Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla are still undergoing training.”
He said the agency aims to replicate Sultan Al Neyadi’s stint.
“Sultan’s mission is groundbreaking. We want to match that, embark on something similar, and take on shorter missions. I don’t mind missions that will last only for ten days – they are also very valuable. But more human space flight missions (are under consideration),” he continued.
While insinuations have been rife that a mission to land astronauts on the Moon might include two astronauts from the UAE, he said an astronaut’s life is about long-term training.
“The life of an astronaut is continuous training, medical check-ups, and preparedness. Once we define a mission, there is a countdown and specific training programs for that mission. So when a mission is selected, we look at their situation and see if they have completed their training. Their physical and mental condition is also assessed.”
The UAE Space Agency signed an accord with NASA in 2020 to be part of the Artemis mission to explore outer space. Artemis III is expected to follow in a few years, carrying the first woman to step on the Moon.
