Saudi prince’s journey into space
Prince Sultan’s NASA mission inspired a generation of Arabs, including UAE astronaut Hazza Al-Mansouri
the importance of exploring space for the benefit of humanity. In 1988, Sheikh Zayed met with Prince Sultan following his return from space, and asked about the smallest details of the prince’s journey. Sheikh Zayed saw incredible potential in exploring space and also had a far-sighted vision of the UAE’s capabilities in the space sector. The UAE, proud of Sheikh Zayed’s avant-garde thinking, embraced his vision of exploring space.
Sheikh Zayed’s vision and Prince Sultan’s historical milestone were the stepping stones for driving the UAE and the region’s enthusiasm in exploring space. Since then, the UAE has been working on ambitious space projects, establishing a leading position for the region within the global space sector.
The UAE has made major achievements in the space sector, which include establishing the UAE astronaut program, launching 10 satellites, signing more than 30 agreements to support the space sector, and attracting investments worth $6 billion in the space economy. Among the UAE’s great milestones was the launch of the first Emirati astronaut into space. Hazza Al-Mansouri traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) in September 2019, carrying out
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SUMMARY
On June 17, 1985, history was made when the NASA shuttle Discovery blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on its fifth mission, carrying the first Arab, Muslim and royal astronaut — and, along with him, the seeds of a new era of Arab space exploration. Royal Saudi Air Force pilot Prince Sultan bin Salman, 28, the son of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, spent seven days conducting experiments in space as part of an international crew of seven.
During Discovery’s
experiments and inspiring UAE youth to become future space pioneers.
Al-Mansouri’s passion for space and desire to pave the way for future generations to explore it was brought on by Prince Sultan. As a young student, the future astronaut saw a photo of Prince Sultan, the first Arab in space, in his fourth-grade schoolbook — a turning point in his life.
Since then, Al-Mansouri has been pursuing his dream of exploring space. He was not only the first Emirati and third Arab to travel into space, but also the first Arab to make the journey to the ISS. His mission came 30 years after the launch of Syrian Mohammed Faris into space in 1987, and 32 years after Prince Sultan traveled to space in 1985. Al-Mansouri was selected as part of the UAE astronaut program, which is developing a national team of astronauts to take part in scientific and manned space missions. In its first round, the program received more than 4,000 applicants, highlighting the passion of the UAE’s youth for the space sector.
The second round of the program has also gained interest among people from different backgrounds and various age ranges, with the youngest applicant just 17, while the oldest is
60.
Following the success of Arab astronauts, the UAE is continuing its work to enhance the Arab world’s leading position in space, and is planning to launch the Emirates Mars mission this year to help gain a better understanding of Earth and its atmosphere.
As part of its efforts to encourage collaboration among Arab countries and enhance the Arab world’s contribution to the global space sector, the UAE has launched the Arab Space Cooperation Group to consolidate Arab capabilities in the space industry, and enhance the region’s contribution to science research and development.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia share a mutual interest in the space sector and an eagerness to share knowledge and experience. Recently, the UAE Space Agency signed an agreement with the Saudi Space Commission, chaired by Prince Sultan to further cooperation in space activities for peaceful purposes, building technical and scientific capabilities, and exchanging knowledge and expertise.
Following Prince Sultan’s footsteps in space is essential for driving innovation, raising people’s awareness of the space sector, and inspiring youth to follow the same path — a key to having more Arabs join the world’s best astronauts.