39 candidates pass tests for UAE Astronaut Programme
95 UNDERGO PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS TO QUALIFY FOR PRELIMINARY LIST
The Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) yesterday announced that 39 out of 95 candidates passed the physical and psychological tests to qualify for the preliminary list of the UAE Astronaut Programme.
The programme was launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as part of the UAE National Space Programme. It aims to train and prepare a team of Emiratis to be sent to space for various scientific missions. This is part of the preparations to send the first Emirati astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) in April 2019.
In the initial interviewing process, 39 candidates qualified, passing extensive tests and interviews conducted by qualified specialists from the MBRSC. The tests included a clinical test and a range of activities to measure intelligence, aptitude, neurocognitive ability, personality, and working memory. Following these tests, one-to-one interviews were conducted by the initial selection committee. The candidates’ personalities were evaluated in various mental and psychological aspects to ensure that they can endure the harsh and unusual conditions in space.
Yousuf Al Sheibani, directorgeneral of the MBRSC, said: “The MBRSC works according to the directives of [Shaikh Mohammad] to build national capabilities in the field of space science and take this sector to strategic levels. The UAE Astronaut Programme reflects the efforts of the MBRSC to support the national policy in the field of space, and contribute to strengthening the UAE’s position among leading countries in the space sector. We are proud of all the Emirati talents who registered for this ambitious programme.”
He added: “The final interviews will begin on July 3.” The 39 shortlisted candidates will undergo the final assessment stage, which will be supervised by a team of experts from the MBRSC, in addition to space experts.