Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Launches UAE Astronaut Programme

The UAE’s Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has launched the UAE’s first astronaut programme dedicated to selecting and training four Emirati astronauts on various space missions so they can head to the International Space Station within the next five years.

His Highness said, “On this day, a new chapter in our history begins with the launch of the first UAE Astronaut Programme, dedicated to training and sending four Emirati astronauts into space. The people of the UAE will break barriers, there is no power strong enough to stand in the way of those who believe nothing is impossible.” He continued, “Our ambitious goals are fueled by dedicated people, who support us until, without hesitation or scepticism, we succeed.”

“I invite young Emiratis to register for the UAE Astronaut Programme through the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. The most competitive applicants will be selected to be ambassadors for the UAE in space exploration. However, every single Emirati will contribute in his or her own way to the future of the UAE, whether it’s on land, or in the skies,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid continued.

The UAE Astronaut Programme is the first of its kind in a series of projects in the country dedicated to developing advanced sciences in order to empower future generations. The UAE is investing in science programmes to help serve national interests in the future, actively participating in global space exploration, and exploring the prospects of human life in space, including the possibility of inhabiting other planets.

The UAE Astronaut Programme is part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre initiatives, and is dedicated to selecting and training ambitious and successful Emiratis in space exploration. The programme will support the UAE’s mission to become a hub for the space sector in the region and to become a global leader in space exploration over the next 50 years.

Young Emiratis can register via the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre website. All applications will be thoroughly studied and assessed based on the qualifications of the candidates.

Finalists will go through training in theory and science, as well as specialty qualification courses, over several months and in accordance with the highest international standards and requirements. The top students will be screened before four Emirati astronauts are selected to form the UAE’s Astronaut Team. The four will join the International Space Station on the first UAE space mission ever, to share knowledge and experience with other global astronauts. The astronauts will enhance the UAE’s achievements in the space sector by undertaking scientific experiments within an integrated project aimed at exploring biology and ways of adapting living organisms in non-terrestrial environments, for the benefit of mankind.

The programme includes partnership agreements with some of the world’s leading astronaut training centres, which provide state-of-the-art simulation systems in space training, to empower the astronauts and ensure the success of the programme.

The four astronaut’s trip to the International Space Station will mark the first step in the UAE’s journey in space exploration.

Original published at: https://spacewatch.global/2017/12/dubais-sheikh-mohammed-bin-rashid-launches-uae-astronaut-programme/