[ad_1]
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have signed a strategic agreement to train Emirati astronauts at NASA.
Four Emiratis, including Hazzaa AlMansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi, will train as astronauts through an agreement with the MBRSC and NASA. Image: MBRSC
This association aims to prepare Emirati astronauts for advanced space missions by providing them with the highest level of experience and knowledge.
Under the agreement, four Emirati astronauts will receive advanced training. Emirati astronauts Hazzaa AlMansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi are currently participating in the training as part of the strategic partnership between the two organizations. Two astronauts who will be selected from the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Program will also join the NASA Astronaut Candidate Class 2021, in which they will receive the training that astronauts receive from the US space agency. The training program will prepare Emirati astronauts physically and psychologically for future space missions.
The training program will be held at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, one of the world’s largest centers for space flight training, research and mission control. A pioneer in human space exploration for more than half a century, the Johnson Space Center, founded in 1961 in Houston, has been at the forefront of America’s manned spaceflight programs.
The program created as part of the new partnership includes the same modules and components that appear in NASA’s astronaut training. Under the program, astronauts will be trained to handle various missions on the International Space Station, including simulated spacewalks and long-term stays, along with training in main systems, robotics, extravehicular activity, T-38 reactor courses, survival in water. and land, Knowledge of the Russian language and theoretical training. The UAE’s participation in NASA’s training program reflects the worldwide reputation of the country’s space sector and its leadership among space nations.
Hazzaa AlMansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi had previously trained at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Moscow, in September 2018 as part of their preparation for their launch to the International Space Station.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center, said: “The global space sector relies on international cooperation fostered by establishing alliances and building bridges of knowledge with leading international space organizations and agencies. The strategic partnership with NASA, a pioneer in space for more than 60 years, supports the strategy of the UAE National Space Program. Emirati astronauts will benefit from NASA’s extensive infrastructure, experience and knowledge in space flight development and operations. “
Al Mansoori further added: “This agreement is a clear testament to the strong economic, cultural and diplomatic ties between the UAE and the United States. The UAE space sector today has advanced experience that must be improved and used for future space missions. These achievements have raised the global profile of the UAE space sector and enhanced the capabilities of Emirati astronauts. “
Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, MBRSC Director General, said: “This agreement supports the objectives of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center to promote the Emirates Astronaut Program and global partnerships for the country in the field of manned spaceflight. This it is being achieved through investments in specialized space training and other projects related to scientific research and development of space technologies. These initiatives pave the way for future strategic partnerships that can support the growth of the UAE’s space sector. “
HE Al Shaibani added: “The agreement with NASA aims to increase the readiness of Emirati astronauts and prepare them for future long-term space missions. The association reflects our efforts to lay solid foundations for the continuous development of the sector ”.
“EE. The US and the United Arab Emirates enjoy a strong relationship in the space sector and we are excited to expand that relationship with this agreement. The UAE has made extraordinary progress in the space arena in a short time with the successful launch of the Hope Mars probe, the region’s first interplanetary spacecraft, the latest example of the country’s ambitious space program, ”said James W Morhard. , deputy administrator. , NASA. “This agreement to train Emirati astronauts will pave the way for even closer relations between our two nations, creating new opportunities for the UAE to get involved in the International Space Station, Artemis and other NASA activities.”
Underwater spacewalk training
