2 Emiratis to graduate from NASA astronaut candidate class
MBRSC celebrates milestone in the UAE Astronaut Programme
In a historic achievement for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla, the representatives of the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme, are poised to graduate from the 2021 NASA Astronaut Candidate Class training programme on March 5, 2024.
The term ‘astronaut’ derives from the Greek ‘star sailor.’ The 2021 class of astronaut candidates is known as ‘The Flies.’
After an intensive training period that commenced in January 2022, Al Matrooshi and Al Mulla have completed over two years of rigorous preparation, qualifying them for spaceflight assignments initiated by the Dubai-based Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in conjunction with leading international space agencies, including NASA.
The 2021 NASA Astronaut Candidate Class, featuring 10 NASA and the two MBRSC candidates, will be awarded astronaut pins at the graduation ceremony on March 5 at the Johnson Space Centre.
This signifies the 12 candidates’ successful graduation and qualifies them for space missions, enabling them to contribute to ongoing and forthcoming space explorations. Upon assignment to a space mission, the astronauts will continue training at a more advanced level.
Spaceflight-eligible astronauts
The 12 astronaut candidates underwent basic training to become spaceflight-eligible astronauts. Their diverse training curriculum included learning International Space Station systems, spacewalks, robotic operations, T-38 jet operations, wilderness survival, and more.
The UAE Astronaut Programme, managed by MBRSC under the UAE’s National Space Programme, is funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority. The programme supports research and development in the UAE’s ICT sector.
Established in 2006, MBRSC has evolved into the UAE National Space Programme incubator. Home to the UAE Satellite Programme, UAE Astronaut Programme, Mars 2117 Programme, and Emirates Mars Mission.
The Mars 2117 Programme encompasses the Emirates Lunar Mission, UAE Analog Programme, and Space Ventures, solidifying the UAE’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
MBRSC has developed Earth observation satellites, including DubaiSat-1, DubaiSat-2, and KhalifaSat, and is currently developing the MBZ-SAT, which is set to launch later this year.
MBRSC is also working on the Emirates Airlock, a crew and science airlock module for the Gateway lunar space station, where humanity is the first international outpost to orbit the Moon.
Hazzaa Ali Al Mansoori and Sultan Al Neyadi represented the first batch of the UAE Space Programme. Al Mansoori and Al Neyadi have since undertaken NASA-led missions to the International Space Station.
Featured image: NASA announced its 2021 astronaut candidate class on December 6, 2021. The 10 candidates pictured here are Nichole Ayers, Christopher Williams, Luke Delaney, Jessica Wittner, Anil Menon, Marcos Berríos, Jack Hathaway, Christina Birch, Deniz Burnham, and Andre Douglas. UAE astronaut candidates Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla stand alongside them. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz
