Hazza Al Mansouri looks forward to welcoming UAE's next astronauts

First Emirati astronaut excited for the future of the country's burgeoning space sector

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. 

UAE history-maker Hazza Al Mansouri is looking forward to welcoming the country's next two astronauts.

Maj Al Mansouri cemented his place in the record books when he became the first Emirati to journey into space in September, 2019.

The first Emirati astronaut spent eight days aboard the International Space Station – offering hope and inspiration to those eager to follow in his footsteps.

The UAE launched a major search for two astronauts to join Maj Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi in December, 2019, with 4,305 Emiratis vying for the role.

Maj Al Mansouri is eager to meet his new colleagues, who he said are due to be selected soon.

"In a few days, two new Emirati astronauts will join Sultan and me," Maj Al Mansouri said on Twitter.

"They have been chosen from 4,305 candidates after undergoing a series of tests and interviews. We are excited to work with them and garner new milestones for the UAE's space sector."

Fourteen candidates are in the running for the coveted roles, nine men and five women.

The chosen astronauts are expected to begin their training at Nasa’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston once the next class begins in the second half of 2021.

Once they graduate, they will qualify for Nasa-led missions to space.

The UAE space industry has already enjoyed a remarkable year with the successful journey to Mars of the Hope probe.