UAE astronauts learn to operate International Space Station’s robotic arm

Tool used to capture supply cargo vehicles

UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi are learning how to operate the Canadarm2, a robotic arm on the International Space Station, at the Nasa Johnson Space Centre in Houston. The arm is used by astronauts to capture Cygnus cargo supply vehicles that brings food and science experiments. Photo: Dr Al Neyadi Twitter

Maj Al Mansouri became the first Arab to go to the ISS in 2019 when he spent eight days there. Photo: Maj Al Mansouri Twitter

Dr Al Neyadi learning how to operate the Canadarm2 robotic arm on the International Space Station. Photo: Dr Al Neyadi Twitter

Maj Al Mansouri said operating the robotic arm on the International Space Station requires a lot of teamwork. Photo: Maj Al Mansouri Twitter

Maj Al Mansouri and Dr Al Neyadi are training at Nasa Johnson Space Centre in Houston. Photo: Dr Al Neyadi Twitter

Emirati astronauts are learning how to operate the International Space Station’s robotic arm to capture cargo vehicles in future missions.

Hazza Al Mansouri, the first UAE astronaut to fly into space, and reserve astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi are receiving the training as part of a 30-month course at the Nasa Johnson Space Centre in Houston.

Astronauts on the space station use the Canadarm2 robotic arm to capture the Cygnus spacecraft, a cargo supply vehicle, which holds food and science experiments.

“During the Cygnus cargo vehicle capture exercise, we simulate the use of the Canadian robotic arm or SSRMS in a special laboratory. The operation is very critical and requires extra attention to avoid collision with the International Space Station (ISS),” Dr Al Neyadi said.

“The cargo vehicle is loaded with food and science experiments as well as necessary items to maintain the station.”

Maj Al Mansouri became the first Arab to go to the ISS in 2019 when he spent eight days there.

The UAE’s two new astronauts, Mohammad Al Mulla and first Arab female astronaut Nora Al Matrooshi, will begin their training in Houston in January.

The instruction includes learning how to operate the systems on the ISS, performing spacewalks, training on supersonic jets and learning the Russian language.

Once graduated, all four will qualify for Nasa-led missions.

UAE astronaut trains on supersonic jets at Nasa training centre - in pictures

Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi has completed Nasa's intense T-38 Talon supersonic jet training. All photos courtesy of Mr Al Neyadi Twitter

The T-38 jets have been used by Nasa to train astronauts since the 1960s.

Mr Al Neyadi and his American colleague on the way to train on a T-38 jet.

Mr Al Neyadi on a T-38 jet, which travels faster than the speed of sound and prepares astronauts for spaceflight.

Flying the supersonic jet involves traveling at speeds of Mach 1.6 and experiencing more than seven G-forces, or seven times the gravity, because of the speed – enough to make an average person unconscious.

Mr Al Neyadi on board the T-38 Talon supersonic jet.

Mr Al Neyadi prepares for a training session on a T-38 supersonic jet.

Mr Al Neyadi and Nasa astronaut Chris Cassidy at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas.