The UAE's latest space feat marks a milestone

Sultan AlNeyadi in T-38 training at Ellington Field, Texas, US. Nasa -Johnson Space Centre

Even before 2019, when the UAE sent its first astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, to the International Space Station (ISS), the country's vision for space research was well known. In mere decades, the Emirates has achieved major milestones in its space programme.

Another milestone is now in the making, with the country having selected astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi for a six-month mission to the ISS. The programme will commence next year, as Mr Al Neyadi becomes the first Arab astronaut to enroll in it. The 41-year-old father of five, who has a PhD in IT and degrees in engineering, will serve as mission specialist on the Nasa-SpaceX Crew 6 mission.

Mr Al Neyadi’s six months on the ISS will help give the UAE a wealth of first-hand knowledge and experience. “This historic milestone builds on the strong foundations of the UAE’s burgeoning space programme,” President Sheikh Mohamed said on Twitter.

The ISS itself is a feat of international co-operation. For 24 years it has hovered at about 400 kilometres above the Earth. The station is owned jointly by Europe, the US, Russia, Canada and Japan. The ISS is also the largest single structure that humans have ever put into space. If astronomy enthusiasts know where to look, it is often visible without a telescope.

One benefit of the UAE’s space programme has been the keen interest taken in it by regular people with perhaps no specialist knowledge but a curiosity and wonder, and a desire to support the astronauts and their continued success in such important projects. These expeditions provide stories that inspire awe in citizens and residents of all ages, and in the wider region.

Children, in particular, see astronauts as role models. Whether in the UAE or in the wider region, seeing Arab astronauts make such seemingly impossible strides can capture many an imagination. It can inspire young girls and boys to study science, as a means to fulfil their desire to embark on similar missions in the future.

Even though much has been achieved, the view is to look at the future and work towards the next achievement that will contribute to space research. In an interview with The National, Dr Al Neyadi said that the UAE’s goal for its programme is to spend more time on the space station.

Plans are afoot for the UAE to support researchers working towards propelling the country into prominence in the space sector. Space economic zones are being set up in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. Indeed, the UAE Space Agency has announced a collaboration with Masdar City to establish the first space economic zone. In February last year, the Emirates became one of only five countries to send a spacecraft to Mars.

By now the UAE has sealed its reputation as a leading regional centre of astronomy, with one of the world’s fastest-developing space programmes. Over the next decade, it plans to invest more than $816 million in the private space sector. Considering the continual progress made in the field, it is evident that the country’s journey beyond Earth’s gravity is on a historical path towards success.

The Hope probe was built by 150 Emirati engineers, researchers and scientists. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre

The first image of Mars taken by the UAE's Hope probe, which arrived at the Red Planet on February 9. EPA

Nora Al Matrooshi the first Arab woman to train as an astronaut. Photo: MBRSC

Hazza Al Mansouri, left, Nora Al Matrooshi, Mohammed Al Mulla and Sultan Al Neyadi together for the first time at Nasa's Johnson Space Centre in Houston. Photo: MBRSC

Sarah al Amiri at the launch of a new project to explore the main asteroid belt, with a Venus fly-by, from 2028. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs / Dubai Media Office

Ministers and VIPs listen as Sarah Al Amiri sets out details of the five-year mission. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs / Dubai Media Office

The final prototype of the UAE's Rashid lunar rover. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre

Emirati engineers test parts of the Rashid rover, which will be sent to the Moon in 2022. Photo: MBRSC

Blue Origin's rocket New Shepard blasts off carrying Star Trek actor William Shatner, 90, on billionaire Jeff Bezos company's second suborbital tourism flight, October 13, 2021. Reuters

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai on a visit to the 72nd International Astronautical Congress at Dubai World Trade Centre on October 25, 2021. Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied, among others, by Emirati astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri, Sultan Al Neyadi and graduates from the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme, Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla. Wam

The opening ceremony for the International Astronautical Congress took place on October 25 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Photo: Dubai Media Office