UAE’s Cosmic Pioneers: The Journey of Emirati Astronauts

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The Birth of UAE’s Space Ambitions

In a region historically known for its vast deserts and oil wealth, the United Arab Emirates has engineered a remarkable pivot toward the stars. The nation’s space journey isn’t merely about planting a flag among spacefaring nations—it represents a strategic vision to transform an oil-dependent economy into a knowledge-based powerhouse.

“We don’t have the luxury of time to reach the stars,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum declared when launching the UAE Space Agency in 2014. This urgency has fueled an accelerated space program that accomplished in years what took other nations decades.

The UAE Astronaut Programme was established in 2017 as part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), with an ambitious mandate: to train and prepare Emirati astronauts for scientific missions to the International Space Station and beyond. What seemed like an audacious dream quickly materialized into a structured pathway to space.

The First Astronaut Selection Process

When the UAE announced its search for the nation’s first astronauts in 2017, few could have predicted the overwhelming response: 4,022 Emiratis applied, representing nearly 1% of the entire UAE national population. The rigorous selection process mirrored international standards with psychological, medical, and technical assessments that whittled candidates down through multiple phases.

By April 2018, the field had narrowed to nine exceptional candidates. The final selection revealed two pioneers who would carry their nation’s aspirations to orbit: Hazzaa Al Mansoori, a former F-16 fighter pilot, and Sultan Al Neyadi, an IT specialist with a PhD in Information Technology.

Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, former Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, noted: “The selection wasn’t just about technical capabilities. We needed ambassadors who could represent the UAE’s values while conducting meaningful scientific work.”

From Desert to Star Formation: The Strategic Vision

What distinguishes the UAE space program is its integration into the broader national strategy. The astronaut program isn’t an isolated endeavor but connects directly to educational initiatives, economic diversification plans, and scientific research priorities.

The UAE Space Agency operates with annual funding of approximately $5.4 billion (as of 2023), a significant commitment that reflects the program’s strategic importance. This investment serves multiple purposes:

• Economic diversification beyond petroleum industries
• Development of indigenous aerospace capabilities and expertise
• Inspiration for younger generations to pursue STEM fields
• Enhancement of national prestige and international partnerships

This strategic approach has transformed what might have been dismissed as a vanity project into a cornerstone of national development. As Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, explains: “Space isn’t just about exploration; it’s about building capabilities that benefit society through technology transfer and scientific advancement.”

Inside the Astronaut Training Program

Let’s be clear: becoming an Emirati astronaut isn’t about privilege or prestige—it’s about surviving one of the most demanding preparation regimens on (or off) Earth. The UAE doesn’t cut corners when preparing its cosmic ambassadors.

The International Training Ecosystem

UAE astronauts undergo training across a global network of facilities, a strategic approach that incorporates best practices from multiple space agencies. Their preparation typically includes:

• NASA Johnson Space Center (USA): EVA training, systems familiarization
• Roscosmos Facilities (Russia): Soyuz operations, survival training
• European Astronaut Centre (Germany): Scientific procedures, equipment operation
• JAXA (Japan): Specialized scientific protocols
• MBRSC (UAE): Mission-specific preparation, cultural and public engagement

This distributed approach provides comprehensive exposure to different spaceflight philosophies and operational protocols. As Sultan Al Neyadi shared during his preparation: “Each center contributes unique elements to our training. The Russians emphasize mechanical systems and manual backup procedures, while NASA focuses on scientific operations and team dynamics.”

The training regimen spans approximately 2-3 years and includes over 1,400 hours of instruction and practical exercises. A typical week might include:

• 20 hours of technical systems training
• 10 hours of language instruction (primarily Russian)
• 15 hours of scientific experiment protocols
• 8 hours of physical conditioning
• 10 hours of emergency response procedures

When Theory Meets Practice: Simulation-Based Training

The cornerstone of astronaut preparation is simulation-based training, where theoretical knowledge faces the practical challenges of spaceflight. UAE astronauts endure scenarios designed to push their physical and mental limits.

Consider Hazzaa Al Mansoori’s experience during survival training in the forests near Moscow. For three days, he and his crewmates had to survive winter conditions with minimal supplies, simulating an off-target landing scenario. “You’re not just learning emergency procedures,” Al Mansoori recounted, “you’re discovering your own limits and building the confidence that you can overcome extraordinary challenges.”

The neutral buoyancy laboratories—massive pools that simulate microgravity—present another crucial training environment. Here, astronauts spend hours underwater in spacesuits weighing over 127 kg on land, practicing maneuvers they might need to perform during spacewalks.

Dr. Robert Thirsk, former Canadian astronaut who trained alongside UAE candidates, observed: “What impresses me about the Emirati astronauts is their adaptability. They’re absorbing decades of spaceflight knowledge in a compressed timeframe, yet maintaining the humility to learn from everyone around them.”

The Psychological Dimension

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of astronaut training isn’t physical but psychological. UAE astronauts undergo rigorous psychological preparation to handle the unique stresses of spaceflight:

• Isolation training: Extended periods in confined quarters with limited external communication
• Team dynamics: Cultural integration with international crews
• Stress management: Performing complex tasks under extreme pressure
• Circadian adaptation: Adjusting to the 16 sunrises and sunsets experienced daily aboard the ISS

Sultan Al Neyadi’s preparation for his six-month mission included psychological readiness for the longest period any Arab astronaut would spend in space. “The mind needs training just as much as the body,” he noted. “You prepare for isolation by understanding that you’re never truly alone—you’re connected to mission control, family, and an entire nation following your journey.”

Landmark Missions and Achievements

The UAE’s astronaut missions represent more than symbolic milestones—they’ve established meaningful scientific and diplomatic contributions to international space exploration.

Zayed’s Ambition: The Historic First Flight

On September 25, 2019, history was made when Hazzaa Al Mansoori launched aboard Soyuz MS-15 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. His eight-day mission, dubbed “Zayed’s Ambition,” marked the first Arab presence on the International Space Station since 1987, and the first Emirati in space.

The mission wasn’t merely symbolic. Al Mansoori conducted 16 scientific experiments examining the effects of microgravity on:

• Human cardiovascular system responses
• Bone density changes
• Alterations in cellular structure
• Perception changes in spatial awareness

Perhaps the most uniquely Emirati experiment was studying the growth behavior of oil palm cells in microgravity—research with potential applications for desert agriculture back on Earth.

Beyond science, Al Mansoori’s cultural impact was profound. He conducted the first live tour of the ISS in Arabic, reaching millions across the Arab world. He also brought Emirati food to space, sharing traditional dishes with his crewmates and showcasing Emirati hospitality beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

“When I looked at Earth from space,” Al Mansoori reflected, “I saw no borders, no conflicts—just one beautiful planet. This perspective is something I wish everyone could experience.”

Longest Arab Space Mission: Sultan Al Neyadi’s Expedition

If Al Mansoori’s mission opened the door, Sultan Al Neyadi’s six-month expedition blew it wide open. Launching on March 2, 2023, aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, Al Neyadi’s mission represented a quantum leap in UAE space capabilities.

During his 180+ days aboard the ISS, Al Neyadi conducted over 200 advanced experiments and participated in more than 19 research projects in collaboration with 10 international space agencies and 25 universities. His scientific portfolio included:

• Cardiovascular research examining fluid shifts in microgravity
• Materials science investigations on crystal growth
• Plant biology studies relevant to food sustainability
• Human performance monitoring during extended space exposure

On April 28, 2023, Al Neyadi achieved another milestone by completing the first spacewalk by an Arab astronaut. During this 7-hour Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA), he helped install new solar arrays and conducted maintenance on the station’s exterior—work that directly contributes to the ISS’s operational longevity.

Communications specialist and space analyst Fatima Al Kaabi noted, “Al Neyadi’s extended mission demonstrated that the UAE isn’t just participating in space exploration—it’s contributing essential capabilities to the international space community.”

Mission Performance Comparison

Overcoming Challenges: The Astronaut Experience

The journey to space is never smooth, and UAE astronauts have navigated unique challenges that blend technical hurdles with cultural responsibilities.

Imagine preparing for the most technically demanding experience of your life while simultaneously carrying the expectations of an entire region on your shoulders. This is the reality for Emirati astronauts.

Technical and Physiological Adaptations

The human body isn’t designed for space. UAE astronauts must overcome the same physiological challenges as their international counterparts, with some unique considerations:

• Adaptation from desert climate: Training transitions from the UAE’s 45°C+ temperatures to the extreme cold of Russian winters during survival training
• Fluid shifts: Microgravity causes bodily fluids to redistribute, leading to facial swelling and cardiovascular adjustments
• Bone density loss: Extended missions like Al Neyadi’s require rigorous exercise protocols to combat the 1-2% monthly bone mass reduction
• Radiation exposure: ISS astronauts receive radiation equivalent to 150-600 chest X-rays during a six-month mission

Al Neyadi described the physical adaptation: “The first few days were challenging. Your body is confused—there’s no up or down. Simple tasks like using tools or moving around become complex puzzles that your brain must solve differently.”

For Al Mansoori, the acceleration forces during launch presented a particular challenge. “The 3.5G forces during ascent compress your chest. You’ve practiced breathing techniques for months, but when it happens, it’s still a shock to your system.”

Cultural Ambassadorship and Religious Practice

Emirati astronauts navigate an additional dimension: serving as cultural ambassadors while maintaining their religious practices in the challenging environment of space.

Prior to Al Mansoori’s flight, UAE clerics worked with space agencies to determine how to perform Islamic prayers in orbit, where the sun rises and sets 16 times daily, and traditional orientation toward Mecca becomes complex. The solution was pragmatic: astronauts could follow the prayer times of their launch location and face Earth generally when praying.

During Ramadan, which coincided with part of Al Neyadi’s mission, similar accommodations were made. Islamic scholars determined he could follow the fasting schedule of his launch city or postpone his fast until return—he chose the latter option due to the physical demands of his mission.

“These adaptations aren’t just personal,” explained Dr. Omar Al Hammadi, religious affairs consultant to the MBRSC. “They establish precedents for future Muslim astronauts and demonstrate that religious practice can harmoniously coexist with scientific advancement.”

Scientific Contributions and National Impact

The UAE astronaut program delivers value far beyond the symbolic achievement of putting Emiratis in space. Let’s examine the tangible scientific and societal impacts of these missions.

Research Breakthroughs and Scientific Relevance

UAE missions have prioritized research with particular relevance to national and regional challenges:

• Desert agriculture advancement: Microgravity experiments with date palm cells are yielding insights for drought-resistant crop development
• Cardiovascular health studies: Research on fluid shifts in space has applications for treating hypertension on Earth
• Materials science: Crystal growth experiments are informing new manufacturing processes for electronics and pharmaceuticals
• Human performance: Cognitive and physical adaptation studies contribute to better understanding of human capabilities under extreme conditions

Dr. Fatima Al Hameli, lead researcher at UAE University’s Space Science Department, explains: “What makes the UAE research portfolio unique is its focus on practical applications. We’re conducting experiments specifically designed to address challenges like water conservation, food security, and health issues prevalent in arid environments.”

One notable example is Al Neyadi’s work on the “Cardinal Heart 2.0” experiment, studying how microgravity affects heart tissue. The findings have potential applications for treating heart disease—the leading cause of death in the UAE.

The “Astronaut Effect” on Education and Economy

Perhaps the most profound impact is what educators call the “astronaut effect”—the surge in STEM interest following high-profile space missions. The statistics tell a compelling story:

The economic impact extends beyond education. The UAE Space Agency estimates that every dirham invested in the space program generates approximately 1.5-2.5 dirhams in economic activity through technology transfer, job creation, and international partnerships.

Mariam Al Zaabi, Director of the Space Technology Innovation Center, notes: “The astronaut program has catalyzed interest from international aerospace companies. We’ve seen a 43% increase in space-related business registrations in the UAE since the first astronaut selection.”

National Identity and Regional Influence

The astronaut program has become a powerful element of national identity and regional soft power. Public surveys indicate that 89% of UAE residents consider the space program a source of national pride, with 76% believing it enhances the country’s international standing.

Dr. James Dorsey, senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, observes: “The UAE’s space program represents a sophisticated exercise in national branding. It positions the country as forward-thinking and innovation-focused, distinguishing it within both regional and global contexts.”

This influence extends throughout the Arab world. Following the UAE’s astronaut successes, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have announced their own astronaut programs, while Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco have expanded space agency funding—creating a regional space renaissance with the UAE at its center.

The Next Frontier: Future Missions and Goals

The UAE’s astronaut journey is just beginning. With ambitious plans extending into the next decade, the program is positioning for increasingly complex missions and expanded scientific contributions.

Expanding the Astronaut Corps

In 2020, the UAE announced its second astronaut selection, resulting in the addition of Nora Al Matrooshi—the first Arab female astronaut—and Mohammad Al Mulla to the program. This expansion reflects the long-term nature of the UAE’s space commitment.

The selection of Al Matrooshi holds particular significance in a region where women’s participation in technical fields has historically been limited. “I aim to be a representative of what women can achieve, not just for the UAE but for the entire Arab world,” Al Matrooshi stated after her selection.

As these new astronauts complete their training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the UAE aims to maintain a continuous presence in international space missions. Salem Al Marri, Director General of MBRSC, has indicated plans for a third astronaut selection by 2026, with a target of building a corps of 10-12 active astronauts by 2030.

Beyond the ISS: Lunar Ambitions

The UAE’s space horizons extend beyond Earth orbit. As a signatory to the Artemis Accords, the UAE has secured potential participation in NASA’s lunar exploration program, with the possibility of an Emirati astronaut joining lunar missions in the late 2020s.

This ambition connects to the broader UAE Lunar Exploration Program, which has already achieved a milestone with the successful development of the Rashid rover. While the initial landing attempt was unsuccessful when the Japanese lander carrying Rashid crashed in April 2023, a second rover mission is already in development.

“Lunar exploration represents our next logical step,” explains Ibrahim Al Qasim, Deputy Director General of MBRSC. “We’re building capabilities in stages—Earth orbit operations, extended missions, spacewalks, and now lunar surface exploration. Each phase builds upon the previous achievements.”

Scientific Focus Areas

Future UAE astronaut missions will concentrate on several strategic research domains:

• Radiation protection technologies for deep space missions
• Closed-loop life support systems for extended space habitation
• In-situ resource utilization techniques applicable to both lunar exploration and desert environments
• Advanced materials testing for space and terrestrial applications
• Biological adaptation studies with applications for healthcare and agriculture

Dr. Khalid Al Hashmi, Director of Space Science at the UAE Space Agency, emphasizes the strategic approach: “Our research portfolio is designed to address both global scientific questions and challenges specific to our region. The knowledge gained has dual applications—advancing space exploration capabilities while developing solutions for terrestrial challenges like water scarcity and food security.”

With commitments for at least one long-duration mission every 2-3 years through the 2030s, the UAE is positioning itself as a consistent contributor to the international space research community.

Your Cosmic Connection: Engaging with UAE’s Space Journey

The UAE’s astronaut program isn’t just for those wearing the space suit—it’s designed as a national journey with multiple entry points for public participation. Here’s how you can connect with and contribute to this cosmic endeavor.

Pathways to Participation

Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply space-curious, there are concrete ways to engage with the UAE’s space program:

1. Educational Engagement
   • Join the “Space Science Track” programs available at UAE universities
   • Participate in the annual UAE Space Settlement Challenge for students
   • Apply for internships at MBRSC (offered three times yearly)
   • Attend public lectures featuring astronauts and space scientists (schedule available on the MBRSC website)
2. Professional Opportunities
   • Monitor the MBRSC careers portal for technical positions
   • Consider specialized training in high-demand fields: robotics, radiation physics, life support systems
   • Explore partnership opportunities through the UAE Space Agency’s innovation programs
   • Participate in the Space Economic Zones initiative for space-related startups
3. Public Engagement
   • Visit the space exhibitions at the Museum of the Future in Dubai
   • Follow UAE astronauts on social media platforms for real-time mission updates
   • Participate in “Ask an Astronaut” public sessions announced on MBRSC channels
   • Join citizen science projects that analyze data from UAE space missions

Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre offers a dedicated public engagement app that provides real-time updates on astronaut activities, upcoming events, and educational resources for various age groups.

For the Next Generation of Cosmic Explorers

Parents and educators play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of space contributors. Consider these action steps:

• Enroll children in the “Mini Astronaut” program (ages 7-15) offered through MBRSC outreach
• Incorporate space-themed projects into school curricula using resources from the UAE Space Agency’s educational portal
• Organize school visits to the Al Thuraya Astronomy Center in Dubai
• Encourage participation in the annual UAE Space Camp held during school holidays

As Hazzaa Al Mansoori advised young aspiring astronauts: “Start with curiosity, add persistence, and never stop learning. The path to space begins with a question and continues with thousands of hours of preparation.”

The UAE’s space journey represents more than scientific achievement—it embodies a national commitment to transformation through knowledge and innovation. As we look toward the stars, we’re reminded that exploration isn’t just about discovering new worlds, but about reimagining our potential here on Earth.

What role will you play in this continuing cosmic story? The universe awaits your contribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a UAE astronaut?

Candidates must be UAE nationals, hold a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics), and demonstrate proficiency in English. Physical requirements include excellent health status, visual acuity correctable to 20/20, blood pressure not exceeding 140/90, and height between 158-190 cm. Beyond these technical requirements, successful candidates demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities, teamwork skills, and psychological resilience. The selection process involves medical screening, psychological assessment, technical interviews, and team-based problem-solving exercises. The acceptance rate is extremely competitive—less than 0.1% of applicants were selected in the first astronaut call.

How does the UAE collaborate with international space agencies?

The UAE has established strategic partnerships with major space agencies worldwide. With NASA, they have agreements covering astronaut training, scientific research collaboration, and potential participation in the Artemis lunar program. Their relationship with Roscosmos enabled Hazzaa Al Mansoori’s first mission through purchased flight opportunities on Soyuz spacecraft. Collaboration with JAXA (Japan) focuses on lunar exploration technologies, while partnerships with ESA (Europe) emphasize scientific research and technology development. These relationships operate through formal Memoranda of Understanding, joint working groups, and mission-specific agreements. Rather than building every capability internally, the UAE has strategically leveraged these partnerships to accelerate their space program development while contributing unique research priorities to the global space community.

What scientific experiments do UAE astronauts conduct in space?

UAE astronaut experiments focus on five strategic domains with both space applications and terrestrial benefits. Biomedical research includes cardiovascular monitoring, bone density studies, and immune system response in microgravity. Materials science experiments examine crystal growth, fluid dynamics, and combustion processes. Agricultural studies focus on plant growth in controlled environments and cellular adaptation of desert-adapted species. Technology demonstrations test UAE-developed equipment and systems for future missions. Human factors research examines psychological adaptation, team dynamics, and performance in isolated environments. Each experiment undergoes rigorous scientific review and is designed with specific hypotheses regarding microgravity effects. The research portfolio balances contribution to global space science knowledge and addressing challenges specific to the Middle East region, such as water conservation, desert agriculture, and healthcare in extreme environments.