'Reach for the Stars': new documentary details UAE’s historic journey into space

The show follows UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi as they prepare for space

In September 2019, the UAE was gripped by Hazza Al Mansouri and his journey into space. And tonight, you can relive the highs of Al Mansouri's mission to the International Space Station thanks to a new National Geographic documentary, Reach for the Stars.

The channel has teamed up with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) to create the 22-minute gripping documentary, the second in a four-part film series.

The show follows the UAE astronauts, Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi, and covers their dreams and aspirations, as well as the hundreds of hours of mental and physical training that enabled them to successfully complete the UAE's historic mission to reach the International Space Station (ISS).

“I have grown up with this dream of reaching the stars and I believe that everyone should look outside at night and dream about space," says Al Mansouri. "The night before the launch, I was really busy and could not sleep as I was really excited that I was going to space. Reaching the ISS was the proudest moment of my life and I am extremely proud that I accomplished the mission."

The film also covers Al Neyadi's experience and special expertise in dealing with cutting-edge technology.

“Space is really tough on humans and so I had to undergo a lot of physical training exercises, strengthening my muscles and being well equipped to handle everything as a back-up flight crew," he says.

"The specialised training really helped me in adapting myself to all kinds of environments expected in space.”

The documentary premieres Monday, May 25 at 10.30pm on National Geographic and National Geographic Abu Dhabi. More information is available at www.natgeotv.com/ae