Relive UAE space mission in new docu
abu dhabi — Relive the UAE’s historic space mission in a new 22-minute documentary that you can watch tonight at 10.30pm on National Geographic. It will be the second in the four-part series titled ‘Reach for the Stars’.
Produced in partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), the docu-series captures the journey of UAE astronauts Hazzaa AlMansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi, highlighting their dreams and aspirations — as well as the hundreds of hours of mental and physical training they had to go through to get ready for the International Space Station.
It chronicles not only AlMansoori’s arrival at the ISS but his emotional journey back to Earth.
Showcasing how the dreams of a young boy growing up in a small desert town in Liwa turned to reality, the documentary narrates the personal story of AlMansoori.
“I have grown up with this dream of reaching the stars and I believe that everyone should look outside at night and dream about space. The night before the launch, I was really busy and could not sleep as I was really excited that I was going to space. Reaching the ISS was the proudest moment of my life and I am extremely proud,” he said.
The film also gives unique insights into how AlNeyadi’s experience and special expertise in dealing with cutting-edge technology at the UAE military prepared him towards solving some of the most challenging and complex problems related to space. “Space is really tough on humans and so I had to undergo a lot of physical training, strengthening my muscles and being well equipped to handle everything as a back-up flight crew. The specialised training really helped me in adapting myself to all kinds of environments expected in space,” said Sultan AlNeyadi.