UAE reveals launch window for Neyadi’s 6-month space mission

DUBAI: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has confirmed the launch of the second mission of the UAE Astronaut Programme which is scheduled for no earlier than 26th February, 2023.

Aboard Spacex Crew Dragon spacecrat, Sultan Al Neyadi along with two astronauts will launch to International Space Station from Launch Complex 39A at Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Once, aboard the station, Sultan will become a flight engineer for Expedition 69.

An elaborate media and public conference will be held on Wednesday, 25th January, at NASA’S Johnson Space Center in Houston, highlighting mission details and a public address from Salem Al Marri, Director-general of MBRSC.

The mission, dubbed Crew-6 will include a series of experiments and research, as well as important scientific findings about outer space. During the mission, Sultan will conduct numerous in-depth and advanced scientific experiments as part of the UAE Astronaut Programme, which will train and prepare a team of Emirati astronauts before sending them into space to carry out various scientific missions.

According to Spacex, its sixth mission will carry two Nasa astronauts, Stephen Bowen, the mission commander, and pilot Woody Hoburg, as well as two mission specialists, Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi and Russian astronaut Andrey Vidyaev.

Al Neyadi will put on a spacewalk suit, weighing 130 kilogrammes (on the ground), called the “Extravehicle Mobility Unit” or “EMU,” which requires 45 minutes to be worn.

The special equipment, helmet and gloves will be installed, ater which he will enter a pressurized unit to adapt to the low pressure which the suit maintains.

It is worth noting that the astronaut must spend more than an hour inside this unit breathing pure oxygen before leaving it.

The suit is like a small spaceship, protecting astronauts from the harsh conditions outside the ISS, and from space dust, as Al Neyadi will walk in space to perform tasks and repairs outside the ISS, which may last eight hours.

The suit’s elastic parts consist of 16 layers, each of which has a different function. Some layers retain oxygen, while others protect the astronaut from space dust.

Under the suit, the astronaut wears another piece of clothing which covers the body except for the head, hands and feet. Also, tubes are regulated inside it, which are about 300 feet long, to regulate body temperature and get rid of excess heat while walking in space.

Astronaut’s suit is usually white, to reflect heat in space where temperatures in direct sunlight can be over 135°C.

The gloves are of a special type called “EVA”, which will enable him to pick up equipment and tools. They also contain heaters at the tips of the fingers.

The helmet it contains a venting pad that directs oxygen from the subsystem to support life and maintains oxygen pressure around the head at suitable levels.

The UAE Astronaut Programme launched by the MBRSC aims to establish the UAE’S infrastructure for human space exploration and is one of the most inspiring programmes that aim to meet the aspirations of young people with unique scientific capacities and personal skills. It also aims to develop the capabilities of Emirati astronauts and enable them to operate the ISS.

The Programme is one of the projects 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.

Earlier this month, Hazza Al Mansoori, accompanied by fellow Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, met with a few children at the Museum of the Future ahead of Al Neyadi’s mission to the International Space Station.

The two astronauts engaged with a group of young space science enthusiasts during an exclusive tour held at Dubai’s iconic museum.

The pair shared their experiences and discussed the future of space exploration. Aspiring to one day become astronauts themselves, the children had the opportunity to feed their curiosity by asking the astronauts all about their training, their missions, and what it takes to become a young successful spacewalker. Deputy Executive Director of the Museum of the Future, Majed Al Mansoori said: “We are delighted to welcome two of the Arab world’s most inspirational figures.

Since the UAE launched its astronaut programme, interest in space and STEM subjects has skyrocketed among Arab youth. The Museum of the Future is proud to play its part in encouraging and enabling the next generation of scientists to achieve their dreams and lead humanity’s next steps into the unknown.

“The Museum of the Future is a station for all pioneers, for all dreamers, and aspirers, and for anyone who shares our passion for science, knowledge, and continuous experience, for space exploration, foreseeing the future, and working for a beter and more beautiful tomorrow. Thank you Hazaa and Sultan, for sharing these moments with us, and for spreading hope and inspiration to future generations,” he added. Al Neyadi was one of two people selected from more than 4,000 candidates to become one of the first Emirati astronauts.