The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) today announced that Mohammad AlMulla and Nora AlMatrooshi, from the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme, have begun their in-house training ahead of their trip to Houston in December to join the “2021 NASA Astronaut Candidate Class”. The details were announced during a press conference held by MBRSC to introduce the astronauts from the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme to the media on Wednesday.
The names of the two new Emirati astronauts for the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme, were revealed earlier this year by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. MBRSC had received 4,305 applications for the positions, and the applicants underwent several phases of evaluation and qualification in accordance with international standards, before the final two candidates were selected.
The astronauts are currently undergoing in-house training, which includes swimming, scuba diving, survival exercise, stamina improvement, aircraft flying classes and Russian language training.
Advanced Training
The astronauts will then move to Houston in December 2021 to begin preparing for 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. Mohammad and Nora will be trained to manage various missions on the International Space Station, including simulated spacewalks and long duration stay, along with training in major systems, robotics, extravehicular activity, T-38 jet courses, water and land survival, Russian language skills and theoretical training.
H.E. Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director-General, MBRSC said: “The new batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme translates to our continued commitment to human space flight and space exploration. Our efforts are also part of the mission to constantly improve the UAE’s position in the space industry, and deliver an experienced batch of Emirati scientists, engineers and experts. I would like to congratulate Mohammad and Nora and wish them all the best for future missions, as they put their qualifications and passion for space into action in the coming months. They will be responsible for continuing the UAE’s legacy in the space industry by discovering what is beyond our knowledge of space and science. Rest assured, they will receive all the support and encouragement from our country’s wise leadership and from the team at MBRSC as well as from the people of the UAE.”
AlShaibani added: “We will also soon be revealing more of our future missions, extending beyond the Centre’s training processes and previous accomplishments, paving the way for UAE to compete at the highest level on the international stage.”
Empowering the Youth
Salem AlMarri, Deputy Director General and Head of the UAE Astronaut Programme, MBRSC said: “The selection process for the UAE Astronaut Programme and its outcomes have always embodied the objectives of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, including supporting the nation’s vision focused on scientific research, establishing its position as a global partner in manned space flights and developing a national team of astronauts to achieve the UAE’s aspirations for scientific exploration.”
Al Marri added: “The second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme will contribute to global space exploration by training and preparing for future manned missions, promote a culture of scientific research and encourage exploration and innovation among the youth of the UAE and Arab world.”
Ambition and Passion
Mohammad AlMulla said: “I am immensely proud to represent my country in the global pursuit of space exploration. I look forward to being part of the next mission to space and fuelling the exciting future of discovery.”
Nora AlMatrooshi said: “I am eagerly looking forward to joining the 2021 NASA Astronaut Candidate Class, where I will meet pioneers from all over the world and work together to explore new horizons for the good of humanity.”
The UAE Astronaut Programme is one of the projects managed by the UAE’s National Space Programme and 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.
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