The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has launched a new event, “A Call With Space,” that allows the public to interact with Emirati astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi while he is on the International Space Station (ISS) for the longest Arab space mission in history. The event will take place across all seven emirates of the UAE, with the first event scheduled for March 21st at the Dubai Opera. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask Sultan questions about life on the ISS, including the day-to-day activities of astronauts, scientific research conducted in microgravity, and the challenges of living in the unique environment of space.
The event promises to be an unforgettable experience for aspiring astronauts, space enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about the ISS and space. The MBRSC hopes to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts and the wider community by sharing Sultan’s journey into space. They aim to ignite a lifelong passion for space exploration and foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, and exploration in the UAE.
The UAE Astronaut Programme, managed by the MBRSC under the UAE’s National Space Programme, prepares Emirati astronauts for manned missions to the ISS and other destinations in space. It is funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), which aims to support research and development in the ICT sector in the UAE and promote the country’s integration on the global stage.
AlNeyadi, who attended the UAE Astronaut Programme at the MBRSC, arrived at the ISS on March 3rd, becoming the second Emirati and the second Arab to board the orbiting science laboratory. His mission, the longest by an Arab astronaut, is expected to bolster the UAE’s position as a leading space-faring nation in the Middle East.
The UAE has successfully launched several space missions in recent years. In September 2019, the country’s first astronaut, Hazzaa Al Mansoori, completed an eight-day mission to the ISS, generating worldwide attention. In February 2021, the UAE’s Hope Probe successfully entered Mars’ orbit, marking the first interplanetary mission by an Arab country. The mission’s design, development, and operations are led by the MBRSC. The probe has been examining Mars’ atmosphere and weather patterns over the past two years. The MBRSC has also launched multiple satellites, including DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2, used for remote sensing applications, and KhalifaSat, the first 100% Emirati-built Satellite.
The UAE has made great strides in space exploration in recent years, and events like “A Call With Space” help to inspire and educate the public about the possibilities of space exploration. By sharing Sultan’s journey, the MBRSC hopes to inspire young minds to dream big and pursue their ambitions in the realm of space and beyond. Through such events, the UAE hopes to encourage a culture of innovation and exploration, positioning itself as a leading nation in space exploration.
