The UAE Astronaut Programme was launched in 2017 to train and prepare a team of Emiratis to be sent to space for various scientific missions.

Objectives

The objectives of the programme are to:

• support the UAE’s vision of a prosperous future based on knowledge and scientific research
• contribute in scientific exploration missions by developing the first Emirati astronaut corps
• encourage and inspire young generations to be successful in STEM subjects to promote the culture of research and passion for exploration and innovation
• strengthen the UAE’s position internationally in the space sector through contributing to manned space missions.

The UAE Astronaut Programme is the first in the Arab region aimed towards developing skilled and capable Emirati astronauts to embark on future space missions and serve as ambassadors for the UAE and the Arab region in space exploration. Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansoori will be the first Arab and Emirati astronaut to travel to ISS on an eight-day space mission on 25 September 2019. The mission is part of an agreement made between Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and the Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos to send the Emirati astronaut to participate in scientific research in a Russian space mission to the ISS, aboard a Soyuz-MS spacecraft.

The Programme is one of the projects managed by the UAE’s National Space Programme and funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) which aims to support research and development in the ICT sector in the UAE.

Related links:

• Meet UAE Astronauts
• 100 days left for the UAE to arrive at International Space Station (ISS)

Watch this video about UAE Astronaut Programme