SpaceX rocket moves to Dubai Space Centre

A model of the SpaceX rocket that was displayed in the US pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai has been moved to the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.

Organisers were looking for a permanent home for the 43-metre replica of the Falcon 9 rocket, one of the most eye-catching exhibits at the world expo, which ran from October 2021 to March 2022. It is now on display at the space centre in the Al Khawaneej area.

“The US Mission in the UAE is thrilled that the replica of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that we proudly displayed in our Expo 2020 pavilion has found a permanent home in the Emirates,” said Megan Gregonis, US Consul General in Dubai, “This iconic American rocket, an important part of the UAE’s space programme, will provide a stunning backdrop for future joint programmes.

The model towered over the exhibition pavilion in Dubai until the end of March 2022, complete with artificial smoke, red lighting and sound effects to make the display even more realistic.

Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of Youth Affairs, became the first Arab astronaut to fly on a SpaceX rocket last March. Along with three colleagues, he was aboard the Dragon capsule, which separated from the rocket after it reached orbit.

After 17 hours, the spacecraft docked with the International Space Station, where its crew completed a six-month science mission.

“The future of space exploration is bright because the United States and the United Arab Emirates are charting its course side by side,” added Ms Gregonis, “Together we are collaborating on deep space communications for the Mars Hope mission as well as manned spaceflight.”

The historic journeys of astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyyadi not only cemented the UAE’s central role in modern space projects, but also ignited the imagination of an entire generation.

Source: The National

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