Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri and Sharjah astrophysicist among world's top 100 space leaders

Richtopia, a digital platform that recognises prominent global figures, includes both men on a list headed by entrepreneur Elon Musk

Hazza Al Mansouri, shortly after arriving back on Earth. Photo: MBRSC

Hazza Al Mansouri wears an Emirati kandura on board the International Space Station. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri takes live Q&A from space and gives a tour of ISS. Screengrab via Youtube Live

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid talks with Emirati astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, during a live satellite feed from the International Space Station. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Hazza Al Mansouri answers questions from Emirati students studying in Japan during a live session on Monday. Photo: Jaxa

One of the pictures Hazza Al Mansouri took while onboard the International Space Station. Photo: Hazza Al Mansouri

Hazza Al Mansouri having breakfast aboard the International Space Station. The UAE's first astronaut received the Nasa Distinguished Public Service Medal in recognition of his service. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, welcomes Hazza Al Mansouri to Abu Dhabi. Wam

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, presents a certificate to Astronaut Major Hazza Al Mansouri at Khalifa University Graduation Ceremony at Emirates Palace in 2019. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi tell of their experiences on the UAE space mission during a press conference in Dubai on Tuesday. Pawan Singh / The National 

Maj Hazza Al Mansouri with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office 

UAE's first astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri inside the Kibo lab on the International Space Station. Courtesy: Jaxa 

 Hazza Al Mansouri was the first person from the United Arab Emirates to go into space. National Geographic 

Hazza Al Mansouri (left) and Sultan Al Neyadi carried the hopes of a nation as they prepared to venture into space. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre

Hazza Al Mansouri arrives at the Presidential Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Saturday. Wam

Hazza Al Mansouri is tended to by ground crews. Nasa / Youtube screengrab

Hazza Al Mansouri posted the image of the Soyuz to his Twitter page. 

The UAE’s first astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, and Sharjah-based astrophysicist Dr Nidhal Guessoum were named among the top 100 influential leaders in space exploration for 2021.

The pair's prominent contributions were recognised in a new list published by Richtopia, a digital platform ranking the achievements of leading global figures.

Dr Guessoum, who has expertise in cosmic gamma-rays and Islamic astronomy, took 65th spot in the list ahead of Maj Al Mansouri in 81st, who spent eight days on board the International Space Station in September last year.

SpaceX billionaire Elon Musk was in top spot, with US astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson second, followed by several leading astronauts, including Apollo 11 lunar module commander Buzz Aldrin, astronomers and space scientists.

Dr Guessoum has decades of experience in space science and has published more than 100 papers in prestigious scientific journals, with topics ranging from cosmic gamma-rays to positron annihilation, among others.

He is also a professor at the American University of Sharjah and has published several books, including The Story of the Universe and The Problem of Crescent Months and the Islamic Calendar.

"I was flattered and humbled by being ranked among the top 100 world influential leaders in space exploration," Dr Guessoum told The National.

“I immediately thought that this should be seen as a big encouragement for young Arab scientists and students who are now entering the field of space and astronomy.

"We can achieve things and be recognised beyond our borders and region if we work hard and seriously, and set our sights far and high.”

He said he was delighted to be contributing to and witnessing the rapid growth of the UAE's space industry.

The country this year became the first Arab nation to launch a mission to Mars, with the Hope probe expected to reach the Red Planet in February.

The UAE sent the first Arab astronaut to the International Space Station in 2019 and hopes to land a small rover on the lunar surface by 2024.

Dr Guessoum, who has spent several years as a researcher at Nasa’s Goddard Space Flight Centre, said the Richtopia list helps to highlight the efforts of space professionals.

“This [the list] is not about specific works or discoveries. Most of the people on the list have not made any discoveries or even produced any research in space or astronomy,” he said.

“This is about the impact we make in the world by leading others, mentoring students and youngsters, disseminating correct science, organising activities that further fuels curiosity, distils knowledge and boosts the love of exploration.”

Maj Al Mansouri is training at Nasa's Johnson Space Centre in Houston, with fellow Emirati Dr Sultan Al Neyadi, who was part of the back-up crew for his mission to space.

They are learning how to spacewalk, studying the International Space Station’s systems and training for long-haul space missions.

Two new Emirati astronauts will be announced early next year after an extensive recruitment programme.

They will join the next batch of astronauts to train at Nasa’s astronaut candidate training programme.

UAE astronaut's intense training in Russia - in pictures