The UAE's first astronaut has won a new role supporting the country's latest space mission from Earth.
Hazza Al Mansouri etched his name in the history books when he spent eight days on board the International Space Station in September 2019.
Now he is using his wealth of experience to offer a helping hand to colleague Sultan Al Neyadi, who started his six-month voyage on the floating laboratory on March 3 as part of Expedition 69.
Maj Al Mansouri will serve as increment lead for the reminder of the mission, becoming the first Arab to take on the position.
He will act as a primary point of contact between mission control on Earth and the crew aboard the ISS as they carry out their duties, including a raft of science experiments.
He will be tasked with identifying critical issues, gathering and passing on information to the astronauts and helping to develop and communicate mission procedures.
“I am honoured to facilitate seamless information exchange between the Astronauts Office and the ISS Expedition team,” said Maj Al Mansouri.
“However, my role entails more than just transmitting data. It includes understanding and appreciating our crew’s challenges and triumphs in space. We aim to advance human space exploration through our collective efforts to support Expedition 69.”
Salem Al Marri, director general of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, said Maj Al Mansouri's appointment was “testament to his exceptional skills and knowledge”.
“The Expedition 69 mission is a tremendous accomplishment for the UAE and the entire Arab region,” said Mr Al Marri.
“It represents the longest Arab space mission to date and marks the first time an Arab astronaut has been appointed as Increment Lead.
“Hazza Al Mansouri’s appointment to this position is a testament to his exceptional skills and knowledge, and it sets the stage for more Arab astronauts to participate in space exploration.
“We are excited to witness Sultan and Hazzaa collaborate to conduct ground-breaking experiments that will broaden our knowledge of space and understanding of life in microgravity.”
Sultan Al Neyadi in space — in pictures
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Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi has released more images of his historic space walk from the International Space Station on social media. @Astro_Alneyadi twitter -
On Friday, Dr Al Neyadi became the Arab world's first astronaut to make space walk when he joined US astronaut Steve Bowen on ISS maintenance. @Astro_Alneyadi twitter -
Dr Al Neyadi spent more than six hours outside the space station. @Astro_Alneyadi twitter -
Photos of Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi's space walk show him completing what Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, described as a 'remarkable' accomplishment. @Astro_Alneyadi twitter -
Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE Astronaut showing water during his first ‘ A Call with Space’ video chat with the public held at Dubai Opera in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Nasa astronaut Frank Rubio gives UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi a haircut on board the International Space Station. Photo: MBRSC -
Sultan Al Neyadi shares images of sandstorm in Sahara Desert from space -
Sultan Al Neyadi shares images of sandstorm in Sahara Desert from space -
Dr Sultan Al Neyadi shared a video showing Cairo from space. Image: Screengrab -
Sultan Al Neyadi shows breathtaking views of the crescent moon from space. -
Astronaut Koichi Wakata and Sultan Al Neyadi inside the International Space Station's Quest airlock. Nasa -
Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE Astronaut during his first ‘ A Call with Space’ video chat with the public held at Dubai Opera in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Dr Al Neyadi carries out experiments at the Columbus laboratory. Photo: Sultan Al Neyadi@Twitter -
UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi in the Japanese KIBO module of the ISS. Photo: MBRSC -
UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi has shared his first selfies taken from inside the International Space Station. Photo: Sultan Al Neyadi Twitter -
The images were snapped in front of the cupola - an observatory on the station - that shows stunning views of the Earth. Photo: Sultan Al Neyadi Twitter -
This photo provided by NASA shows Emerati astronaut Sultan al-Neyadi during an interview at the International Space Station on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. The first Arab astronaut assigned to a long spaceflight is still adjusting to life off the planet, five days after rocketing to the International Space Station. (NASA via AP) -
Sultan Al Neyadi’s, UAE Astronaut, speaking from ISS to UAE leaders. photo: Video screen grab / Nasa -
In this image from NASA TV, the four astronauts including United Arab Emirates' Sultan al-Neyadi, third left gather, during the welcoming ceremony, on the International Space Station, Friday, March 3, 2023. A new crew from the United States, Russia and United Arab Emirates has arrived at the International Space Station. The new arrivals include United Arab Emirates' Sultan al-Neyadi, the first astronaut from the Arab world who will spend an extended time in space. Al-Neyadi is only the second person from the UAE to rocket into orbit. (NASA TV via AP)
