UAE gets ready for new space mission

Following the successful expedition of Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi aboard the ISS, the UAE space agency is planning new missions. Both newcomers and previously flown astronauts will embark on the missions. Meanwhile, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has both long and shorter missions in its plans.

Salem Al Marri, director general of MBRSC, confirmed the agency’s plans on Monday. Although no date for the next space mission has yet been named, the centre is actively working on astronaut training. Particular attention is being paid to physical and psychological training, as these factors are crucial for missions.

Al Marri said: “We have four astronauts, two of whom have already been to space but want to fly again. We also have an ongoing flight plan and the newcomers, Nora Al Matroushi and Mohammed Al Mulla, are still in training.”

“Mr Al Neyadi’s mission was ground-breaking, but we want to do shorter flights as well as long-term missions. I don’t mind missions that last only ten days – they are also very valuable,” he continued.

Also, Salem Al Marri has yet to confirm rumours that the moon landing mission may include two astronauts from the UAE.

In addition, Al Marri shed light on how MBRSC is preparing to launch MBZ-Sat, an imaging satellite, into space.

“MBZ-Sat is scheduled to be launched between July and September 2024. After that, before the end of the year, we will also announce missions that we will launch in 2025, 2026 and 2027,” he added.

MBZ-Sat will soon be launched into orbit as part of SpaceX’s programme using a Falcon 9 rocket.

Source: Khaleej Times

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