Today's Edition
Ameinah Alzeyoudi (ABU DHABI)
The next generation of space enthusiasts have gained a new source of inspiration as hero astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi returns home to the UAE after spending six months aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
According to Dr. Humaid Majul Al Nuaimi, Director of the University of Sharjah and President of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, AlNeyadi carries not only national pride with him back to Earth, but the results of scientific experiments that have the potential to revolutionise humanity’s understanding of space.
It is an event that transcends borders, celebrating human potential, scientific achievement, and global cooperation, Al Nuaimi told Aletihad.
After a triumphant space mission, AlNeyadi’s return has ignited a blaze of excitement among space and astronomy experts.
“This remarkable achievement serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment, determination, and scientific expertise of our national leaders, those who have steered the course of our beloved UAE. Their vision has not only catapulted us to excellence in the realms of space and astronomy but has also positioned us at the forefront of global scientific and technological advancements,” Al Nuaimi said.
AlNeyadi’s accomplishments during his mission were nothing short of extraordinary, and his pioneering efforts also include the successful installation of crucial solar panels that power the ISS, preparing a structure on the station’s exterior for a future solar array installation, and executing numerous groundbreaking scientific experiments.
AlNeyadi is set apart by not only his impressive technical prowess, but also his dedication to inspiring the next generation. He consistently reached out to students and the public through live communications from space, vividly illustrating life in microgravity and sharing the importance of space exploration with the public. His interactions have ignited the imaginations of countless young minds, sparking dreams of reaching for the stars.
Beyond individual accomplishments, this mission exemplifies the broader power of international collaboration. AlNeyadi worked seamlessly with astronauts from diverse backgrounds, contributing to the global body of knowledge and advancing scientific research.
The scientific experiments conducted during this mission promise to transform our understanding of outer space, according to Al Nuaimi. From studying the effects of microgravity on the human body to exploring new frontiers in materials science, these experiments are a testament to the boundless possibilities offered beyond our planet.
Alaa El-Nahri, Vice President of the United Nations Regional Centre for Space Science, said that AlNeyadi’s historic status as the first Arab to ever perform a spacewalk is emblematic of the UAE’s expanding Astronaut Programme, which he considers “one of the country’s most promising national targets”.
El-Nahri told Aletihad that the UAE leads the Arab nations in the advanced field of space exploration as the first Arab country to ever participate in an ISS mission. The first UAE journey to the stars carried the slogan “Zayed’s Ambition”, and paved the way for AlNeyadi’s recent triumph.
“The UAE - as the Arab space leader - encourages its young people interested in space exploration to continue achieving their dreams, which reflect the development of their societies and the future of their country,” El-Nahri said.
Turning toward the future of UAE space travel, El-Nahri said, “The UAE aims to develop a lunar rover in the UAE and send it to the moon by 2024 to study various aspects such as thermal properties of the lunar surface and the formation and components of the lunar soil”.
A Promising Future
With AlNeyadi comes a wealth of scientific data in tandem with the dreams and aspirations of an entire nation. His dedication and exceptional work during this mission hold the promise of further advancements in space science and technology. His journey into the cosmos has showcased the UAE’s prowess on the global stage, and has solidified its position as a leading player in the field of space exploration, Al Nuaimi said.
Sultan AlNeyadi’s journey to the International Space Station represents a monumental achievement for the UAE, and the Arab and Islamic worlds, Al Nuaimi stressed. It is a testament to the limitless potential of the human spirit, and a beacon of hope for a future where science, cooperation, and exploration know no bounds.
