Wanted: 4 Emirati astronauts

dubai — A giant leap for the nation. The UAE has launched an out-ofthis-world hunt for its first astronauts. In the next one year, the country will select four Emirati astronauts and move one step closer to realising its ambitious space programme.

The chosen four will head to the International Space Station (ISS) within the next five years.

Launching the UAE Astronaut Programme on Wednesday, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, invited young Emiratis to register for the programme through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.

“The people of the UAE will break new barriers; nothing can stand in the way of those who believe nothing is impossible,” he tweeted. “Our ambitious goals are fuelled by dedicated people, who support us without hesitation or scepticism until we succeed.”

Potential astronauts will have to be an Emirati aged above 18 years and can submit an online application. Those shortlisted will go through a series of medical and psychometric tests, and the final four will be chosen by the end of 2018.

The four astronauts will join the ISS on the first UAE space mission to share knowledge and experience with other global astronauts.

The astronaut programme really opens up a new dimension for the country. In the near future, when we have UAE astronauts in space, and later on Mars, their research could unlock many mysteries and solve problems we have at home, such as water and farming issues. Space is probably the only area where ‘earthly’ disputes are put aside — one of the most amazing space collaborations is between the US and Russia. Astronauts hundreds of miles above us literally bring cultures closer.”

Thabet Al Qaissieh, Abu Dhabi

The UAE sending its astronauts to space will be a huge achievement for the country. I feel very proud being an Emirati today. I love all things space and would’ve loved to apply, but I think Emiratis who are diehard space fans deserve to go. There are people out there who have dreamt of going to space since they were kids and it is amazing that they have a UAE-platform to do so now. Living on the ISS also sounds very interesting and the fact that Emiratis will be there in less than a decade is outstanding.”

Hamad Ismail, Dubai