sPAcE hoPEfUls ArE PickEd by A ToUgh sElEcTion ProcEss
Yousuf Al Shaibani, directorgeneral of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, noted that the selection committee worked relentlessly to carefully review and evaluate applications according to the highest international standards. The committee shortlisted over 200 candidates who went through psychometric test that lasted up to six hours and focused on a number of assessments including the applicants’ IQ score, emotional stability, adaptability and many more competencies. These assessments were identified as necessary for individuals working and living in the International Space Station (ISS).
After the test, 95 candidates were selected to be interviewed and physically, psychologically and scientifically evaluated. The final phase will conclude this year with the selection of the top four candidates and two reservists who would pass all the previous stages. The team will be the first UAE Astronaut Corps and will join efforts with other astronauts to carry out scientific missions that will complement the research needed to prepare future space explorations, find solutions to many challenges, enrich human knowledge and the scientific community.
The finalists will undergo an intensive training programme, consisting of several stages according to the highest international standards. It will start with the basic training stage, during which candidates will learn about the objectives and plans of the programme and learn the basics of scientific disciplines, including space engineering and space science. Candidates will also have to learn Russian and train in space science and research. They will then move on to advanced and intensive training, during which they will learn about the maintenance and management of loads, as well as a range of skills including robotics, navigation, medical aid and resource management. Upon completion of this stage, the astronaut will be eligible to participate in missions to the ISS. The first Emirati astronaut will be sent to space in the coming years, and the rest of the team will follow to ISS.