Ruler of Dubai meets UAE astronauts gearing up for space missions

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid commended the efforts of Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla, who completed Nasa training earlier this year

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, greets Emirati astronaut Nora Al Matrooshi. Photo: Wam

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday hailed the UAE as a major player in the global space race after meeting two of the country's astronaut corps aiming to reach for the stars.

Sheikh Mohammed reflected on the nation's stellar ambitions for the future during talks with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre team members at Union House in Dubai.

He urged Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Emirati woman to be selected as an astronaut, and her colleague Mohammed Al Mulla to set their sets high in their quest to venture into space.

The enterprising pair completed their intensive two-year astronaut training programme with Nasa this year, making them eligible for space flight.

They are aiming to emulate the achievements of Hazza Al Mansouri, the UAE's first man in space, and Sultan Al Neyadi, who returned from his six-month mission on board the International Space Station in September and has since being appointed to the UAE Cabinet.

The gathering was also attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, chairman of the board of directors of MBRSC, and Amer Al Sayegh Al Ghaferi, assistant director general of the aerospace engineering sector at the centre, were also in attendance.

Flourishing space sector

Sheikh Mohammed called on space centre chiefs to propel the nation's space sector to new heights.

He was briefed on the progress being made on MBZ-Sat, the region's most advanced imaging satellite.

MBZ-Sat, named after President Sheikh Mohamed, has been in development at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai for several years.

The 800kg satellite is to be carried into orbit on a SpaceX ride-share mission, on board a Falcon 9 rocket.

Sheikh Mohammed was told the satellite is scheduled for launch in October at the earliest.

“The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inspires us to further strengthen the UAE's leadership in the field of space," said Mr Al Mansoori.

"We are proud to be working on the most advanced satellite in the Arab world, named after the President of the UAE. We have great ambitions for our country in the future of space exploration and we pledge to continue achieving milestones that contribute to its global leadership in this field."