Watch Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi make history on a six-month long trip. 

We are counting down the days to the UAE’s space mission, which is set to make history. The event marks the first Arab long-duration astronaut mission. The rocket takes off on 27 February, and here’s how you can watch the exciting event.

UAE astronaut and Mission Specialist, Sultan Al Neyadi, will be joining a team on a mission to the International Space Station. Crew-6 consists of three astronauts: Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, and NASA’s Mission Commander Stephen Bowen and Pilot Warren Hoburg. Plus, the crew will be on board the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft Endeavour.

Al Neyadi joined a press conference at Kennedy Space Station and shared his goals for the mission. He explained. “We get to train on cutting-edge technology, and we will be the hands, eyes and ears of the scientists who have been working for years on experiments. I am interested to see the heart beating in space. One day, when we start 3D printing organs, it will be important to see how the structure is built in micro gravity.

“Our region is thirsty to learn more and I think we will be the ambassadors in these missions. Hopefully, we can come back with knowledge and share whatever we learn with everybody.”

Al Neyadi added how he is proud to represent the UAE. As the mission lasts six months, he revealed that he will have local food onboard and share dates with his colleagues during Ramadan.

If you want to show your support, you can watch the UAE space mission launch live. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre is streaming the event on 27 February. The coverage begins at 7.20am and take off is at 11.07am UAE time.

The UAE is not the only country in the Middle East with ambitions to explore space. Saudi Arabia announced that it is sending its first female astronauts to space later this year. Rayyanah Barnawi and Mariam Fardous are also headed straight for the International Space Station. 

Good luck. 

GO: Visit www.mbrsc.ae for more information.