A Closer Look: Saudi astronauts, UAE asteroid belt missions and Chinese civilians in space


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A Closer Look sees The National take an in-depth look at one of the main stories of the week.

It has been a big week in the realm of space exploration, especially for the Middle East.

Two Saudi astronauts have splash landed back to Earth after eight days in space, while the UAE's Sultan Al Neyadi continues his stay aboard the International Space Station until August.

Meanwhile, the Emirates announced the details of its 2028 asteroid belt mission this week, which involves sending an autonomous spacecraft to a location between Mars and Jupiter.

To top it off, China sent its first civilian into space on Tuesday.

Host Sarah Forster speaks to The National's space editor Sarwat Nasir to find out more.

Read more

Codename Max: The inside story of the UAE's mission to the main asteroid belt

What's the next giant leap for the Arab world's space ambitions?

Two Saudi astronauts arrive at the International Space Station – in pictures

  • Saudi astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi floating inside the International Space Station after she and her colleague Ali Al Qarni's arrived on May 22. All photos: SpaceX
    Saudi astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi floating inside the International Space Station after she and her colleague Ali Al Qarni's arrived on May 22. All photos: SpaceX
  • UAE's Sultan Al Neyadi offers dates and water to the two Saudi astronauts after their arrival
    UAE's Sultan Al Neyadi offers dates and water to the two Saudi astronauts after their arrival
  • The Dragon capsule carrying the two Saudi astronauts approaches the ISS
    The Dragon capsule carrying the two Saudi astronauts approaches the ISS
  • The Dragon capsule docks at the ISS
    The Dragon capsule docks at the ISS
  • All 11 astronauts aboard the space station attend a welcoming ceremony for the Ax-2 crew members
    All 11 astronauts aboard the space station attend a welcoming ceremony for the Ax-2 crew members
  • Saudi astronaut Mr Al Qarni floating upside down inside the ISS
    Saudi astronaut Mr Al Qarni floating upside down inside the ISS
  • Mr Al Neyadi offers water and dates to the two Saudi astronauts after their arrival
    Mr Al Neyadi offers water and dates to the two Saudi astronauts after their arrival
  • Ms Barnawi, centre, becomes emotional after delivering her speech at the welcoming ceremony
    Ms Barnawi, centre, becomes emotional after delivering her speech at the welcoming ceremony
  • Mr Al Neyadi, centre, prepares to welcome the two Saudi astronauts aboard the ISS
    Mr Al Neyadi, centre, prepares to welcome the two Saudi astronauts aboard the ISS
  • Ms Barnawi and Mr Al Qarni will stay on the ISS for an eight-day trip
    Ms Barnawi and Mr Al Qarni will stay on the ISS for an eight-day trip
Updated: March 06, 2024, 8:06 AM
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