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Author Topic:   United Arab Emirates astronaut program
Robert Pearlman
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posted 06-20-2018 08:51 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Government of Dubai release
UAE and Russia sign agreement to send first Emirati astronaut to space

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that sending the first Emirati astronaut to space will herald the beginning of a new era for the UAE and represents another step towards achieving the country's vision and aspirations for the space sector.

His Highness's comment came as the UAE, represented by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), and The Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, signed a cooperation agreement to send the first Emirati astronaut to space to participate in scientific research as part of the Russian space mission to the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz-MS spacecraft.

"The UAE has signed a historic agreement to send the first Emirati astronaut to the International Space Station. The journey that we began 12 years ago is beginning to bear fruit," Sheikh Mohammed said. "Our vision to develop the national space sector is being realised with the development of a spacecraft, the construction of our first local satellite manufacturing facility, the training being given to Emirati astronauts, and the launch of a comprehensive scientific and research programme. We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the UAE in 2021, and we will gift these accomplishments to our future generations so that their dreams will always start from the sky," Sheikh Mohammed said.

His Highness also said that the agreement supports the objectives of the 'UAE Centennial 2071' which focuses on the development of futuristic sciences across various sectors including innovation, space, engineering and medicine. He also said that the agreement provides an impetus for advancing the UAE's future space ambitions which include building the first inhabitable human settlement in Mars as part of the 2117 Mars project.

Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the MBRSC and general supervisor of all of the Centre's projects and strategic and development plans HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the agreement is part of the strategic objective of the MBRSC to advance the UAE's position as a leading country in the space industry, and its efforts to collaborate with major institutions to exchange knowledge and best practices in this field.

His Highness said that the first Emirati astronaut will travel to space within a year of the UAE Astronaut Programme creating a final shortlist of candidates as part of the National Space Programme. Four candidates will be selected from the 95 shortlisted applicants (of which 75 are males and 20 females) aged between 23-48 years, as part of the UAE Space Programme announced in April 2017.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of UNISPACE +50, a symposium and special high-level meeting of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), being held in Vienna from 18 to 22 June. Director General of MBRSC His Excellency Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani and Sergey Krikalev, Executive Director of Manned Spaceflight Programmes at Roscosmos signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. The ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi; Chairman of the Board of Directors of MBRSC HE Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri; General Director of Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities Dmitry Rogozin; and the senior management team of the MBRSC and UAE Space Agency.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of MBRSC HE Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri said that the agreement with the Russian Space Agency is part of a strategy to prepare the younger generation for facing future challenges brought by technological development. "Selecting and training Emirati astronauts is crucial to the success of the UAE Space Programme. The selected astronauts will participate in scientific research programmes that will serve humanity and help develop the UAE space sector in the future," Al Mansouri said.

Director General of MBRSC His Excellency Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani said that the Russian Space Agency is an ideal partner because of its long track record in the space sector.

The International Space Station (ISS) is a multi-nation construction project that is the largest single structure humans have ever put into space. Its main construction was completed between 1998 and 2011, although the station continues to evolve to include new missions and experiments. It has been continuously occupied since 2 November 2000. As of January 2018, 230 individuals from 18 countries have visited the International Space Station.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 06-20-2018 08:57 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The still-to-be-named UAE astronaut will fly as part of the Soyuz MS-12 crew in April 2019, reports The National.
Soyuz MS-12 is part of [Expedition] 59 to the space station. At present only two of the three crew in the capsule have been announced: Oleg Skripochka, a veteran Russian commander, and Christina Hammock [Koch], an American who became a NASA astronaut in 2013.

The third seat now seems to have been reserved for the UAE. That mission is due to return to Earth in October next year, so it is not yet clear how the UAE member of the crew will return earlier, if as announced.

He — or she — will be the third Arab astronaut into space, after Saudi Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud who flew in the Space Shuttle in 1985 and Syrian Mohammed Faris, who visited the Russian Mir space station in 1987.

cosmos-walter
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posted 06-22-2018 10:55 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for cosmos-walter   Click Here to Email cosmos-walter     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Soyuz MS-12 is scheduled to launch on April 5, 2019, Soyuz MS-10 to land on April 15, 2019. This enables a 10 day mission for the first Emirati astronaut.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 08-01-2018 08:34 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The United Arab Emirates' nine candidates for a 2019 flight to the International Space Station are now in Star City, reports TASS.
"The contenders’ medical selection will last three weeks. Following the results of the medical examination, two candidates will be selected. The training of a UAE cosmonaut and his substitute for a flight to the International Space Station will begin in August 2018," Roscosmos said in a statement.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 09-03-2018 09:43 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
From the UAE Space Agency on Twitter:
The announcement of our first two Emirati astronauts heralds a new era in our nation's history. Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Niadi will raise the UAE flag amongst the stars. Congratulations to the people of the UAE for this great achievement.

dom
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posted 09-03-2018 10:28 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for dom   Click Here to Email dom     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Do we know how much they are paying for the seat?

Robert Pearlman
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posted 09-03-2018 11:52 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
To my knowledge, the details of the flight contract have not been released.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 11-20-2018 08:22 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Roscosmos director Dmitry Rogozin has confirmed that the planned April 2019 flight of an Emirati astronaut has been postponed as a result of the Soyuz MS-10 launch abort.
"The schedule has been somewhat altered due to the Soyuz accident. But I think we will fulfill our obligations concerning the flight of an UAE national in 2019," he said.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-14-2019 03:08 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
From the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre on Twitter:
Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre announces that it has selected Hazzaa AlMansoori as the prime astronaut and Sultan AlNeyadi as the backup astronaut for the International Space Station (ISS) mission. The Emirati astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori will fly for an eight-day space mission to ISS aboard a Soyuz MS-15 spacecraft on 25 September 2019.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 09-24-2019 01:00 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
First Emirati astronaut to fly UAE flag and tree seeds to space station

The red, green, white and black flag of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is flying for the first time at the launch site where humanity first lifted off for space. The display is in recognition of another historic milestone, the imminent first flight of an astronaut from the Middle Eastern country.

A similar UAE flag, this one made out of pure silk, will fly with Hazzaa AlMansoori on his 8-day mission to the International Space Station. The banner is among a number of items that Almansoori is taking with him to share Emirati culture with his crewmates and to bring mementos from his spaceflight back to his fellow citizens.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 10-02-2019 06:22 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Some photos from Hazzaa AlMansoori's mission (via Twitter):
Oct. 1 — Dressed for the occasion! Delighted for the opportunity to share part of our Emirati culture with the crew aboard the ISS.

Oct. 1From the happiest astronaut to the happiest nation... this is history, this is the UAE from space.

Oct. 1Suhail, my friend in this mission aboard the International Space Station.

Oct. 2A selfie from space.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 12-09-2019 08:30 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the United Arab Emirates is seeking a second astronaut class, via Twitter:
We are looking for a new Emirati astronaut for the second UAE mission in space. For those who see the same ambition, energy and determination of our sons and daughters register at Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center. The mission continues and our march to space is still in its infancy.
From the MBRSC:
UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply for the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme. All professions will be considered, from engineers to pilots, military personnel to teachers, those involved in STEM and other professions.

Under the umbrella of MBRSC, the UAE Astronaut Programme, the first of its kind in the region, aims to develop scientific cadres and prepare future generations of astronauts.

The following criteria should be met:

  • Nationality: Emirati
  • Age: +18
  • Language: proficiency in Arabic and English
  • Education: University Graduate (Bachelor’s or Higher)
There is no word about the status of Sultan AlNeyadi, the backup to Hazza AlMansouri, though he helped spread word of the new selection on Twitter.

Neil DC
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posted 12-10-2019 12:17 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Neil DC   Click Here to Email Neil DC     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
At the International Astronautical Congress in Washington DC this October, I asked the UAE representatives about their astronaut program and was told that they planned to send a second astronaut into space. It seemed like wishful thinking at the time, but if they follow through Al-Neyadi could be a rare back-up to fly.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 09-21-2020 09:21 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
NASA release
United Arab Emirates Astronauts to Train at NASA's Johnson Space Center Under New Agreement

NASA has signed a Reimbursable Space Act Agreement with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to train UAE astronauts on International Space Station systems at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston later this year.

Above: UAE astronauts Sultan AlNeyadi and Hazzaa AlMansoori. CREDIT: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre

This agreement demonstrates the burgeoning NASA-UAE partnership, sets the stage for future cooperative activities in low-Earth orbit, and demonstrates UAE's commitment to developing a world-class astronaut corps.

"The U.S. and UAE enjoy a strong relationship here on Earth, and we are excited to extend that relationship into the final frontier. The UAE has made extraordinary progress in the space arena in a very short amount of time with the successful launch of the Emirates Mars Mission 'Hope Probe,' the region's first interplanetary spacecraft, serving as the most recent example of the UAE's ambitious space program," said NASA Deputy Administrator James Morhard. "This agreement to train Emirati astronauts will pave the way for even closer relations between our two nations creating new opportunities for the UAE to become involved in the International Space Station, Artemis, and other NASA activities."

Under the agreement, UAE astronauts Hazzaa AlMansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi will begin training at Johnson this fall. The UAE astronauts will receive training in multiple areas of operations on the International Space Station, including major systems, robotics, spacewalking, and an array of leadership training.

Two additional UAE astronauts will begin training next year, joining the anticipated 2021 NASA Astronaut Candidate class and training to the same level as graduates of the class. UAE astronauts will join the NASA astronaut office at Johnson to be integrated with NASA and international partner astronaut teams. When astronauts are assigned to long-duration expedition missions aboard station, they then receive additional training specifically for their missions and spacecraft. The training via this agreement will prepare the UAE astronauts for future long-duration station missions, but such missions are beyond the scope of this agreement.

"The historic agreement to train Emirati astronauts with NASA is a testament to the long-standing relationship between the UAE and the U.S. The agreement opens up new avenues of cooperation and collaboration between both parties, exchanging best practices and exploring potential prospects for involving Emirati astronauts on long haul space missions," said Salem AlMarri, head of the UAE Astronaut Program at MBRSC. "The International Space Station systems training is one of the most specialized training modules, and our astronauts will benefit immensely from it. We will continue to work together with the U.S. on further collaborations in the coming months and propel the global space sector towards a brighter future."

Robert Pearlman
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posted 09-21-2020 09:24 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Under the agreement, UAE astronauts Hazzaa AlMansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi will begin training at Johnson this fall.
Per NASA Deputy Administrator Jim Morhard (via Twitter), Hazzaa AlMansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi arrived today (Sept. 21) at Johnson for their first day of training.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 12-23-2020 08:26 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Fourteen candidates – nine men and five women – have qualified for the final phase of the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Program, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced on Wednesday (Dec. 23).

The selected candidates will now undergo final interviews conducted by a committee consisting of specialists from MBRSC, including pioneering Emirati astronauts Hazzaa AlMansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi, along with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) astronauts Anne McClain and Jessica Meir.

The UAE Astronaut Programme is part of the country's National Space Programme aimed at training and preparing a team of Emiratis for scientific space missions. Two final candidates will be selected for the UAE Astronaut Programme.

"The average age of the 14 applicants is 31 years, with the youngest candidate being 24 years old and the oldest at 38. The applicants have diverse educational backgrounds – nine of them hold a bachelor's degree; four a master's degree; and one with a doctorate degree. In terms of professional backgrounds, nine candidates were from the engineering sector, four from the aviation sector and one from metrology," the MBRSC said in a statement sent to Gulf News.

"The two astronauts from the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme will join the '2021 NASA Astronaut Candidate Class', as part of a joint strategic agreement between the UAE and the United States of America, to train them at NASA's Johnson Space Center. The new astronauts will undergo a training plan within the UAE to ensure that they are ready to train with NASA astronauts," it added.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-10-2021 11:01 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre has selected two new astronauts for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) corps (via Twitter):
Two individuals out of 4,305 candidates will carry forth the UAE's ambition to space again.

"With the support of our wise leadership, Emirati youth continue to make great strides and push their ambition to new limits. Today, two new Emirati astronauts joined the UAE Astronaut Programme. Our young talents continue to set a model example to the world with their determination," said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

"Nora AlMatrooshi, the first Arab female astronaut, and Mohammed AlMulla will represent our nation in the NASA
Astronaut Candidate Class. A huge thanks to the UAE Astronaut Programme team for their hard work and best of luck to Mohammed and Nora on their new, exciting journey."

Space was her passion since childhood... Nora AlMatrooshi, the new member of the UAE Astronaut Programme.

From aviation to space exploration... Learn more about the journey of Mohammad AlMulla who recently joined the UAE Astronaut Programme.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-10-2021 06:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
UAE names two new astronauts, including first woman candidate

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has selected two new trainees for its burgeoning astronaut corps, including it first female candidate.

Nora AlMatrooshi, a 28-year-old mechanical engineer, and Mohammad AlMulla, a 32-year-old pilot for the Dubai Police, were announced on Saturday (April 10) by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) in Dubai. Their addition doubles the number of UAE astronauts, joining Hazza AlMansouri, who spent 8 days on the International Space Station in 2019, and Sultan AlNeyadi, his backup.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 05-08-2022 11:51 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
UAE astronauts Sultan AlNeyadi and Hazzaa AlMansoori have been awarded NASA astronaut pins after completing their basic training. Gold for AlMansoori and silver for AlNeyadi.

From their respective Instagram accounts:

It's an exceptional feeling when 20 months of assiduous training pays off! A big thank you to MBRSC and the NASA team, my colleague Hazzaa, and everyone who supported me in being awarded the NASA astronaut pin. Our training continues towards achieving bigger goals.

Proud to be granted NASA's astronaut pin after around 20 months of training alongside my colleague AlNeyadi. It is a significant milestone in our journey, preparing us for future advanced missions and new Emirati space achievements.

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