Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) announcing the successful return of astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi from the International Space Station (ISS) at the end of the longest six-month Arab space mission in history. The UAE space program has cemented its place in the elite club of space exploration.
Marking another glorious chapter for the UAE, the SpaceX Dragon Endeavor spacecraft lifted off from the International Space Station on September 3, 2023 at 3:05 PM (UAE time) carrying the Al Neyadi spacecraft, which was launched on September 4. Landed in Jacksonville, Florida at 8:17 am (UAE time).
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said, "I congratulate the President of the UAE on another milestone in the evolution of our ambitious space program. At a time when we, Sultan Al Neyadi, Welcome back to Earth, I congratulate him and the entire MBRSC team for the successful completion of this historic mission. In just six years since the launch of the UAE's Space Pioneers programme, we have Two important Emirati space missions have been successfully completed. These achievements are a reflection of the UAE's commitment to a brighter future for the world. We have faith in the talents of our youth and we believe that our nation's immense wealth of talent is theirs. Will take the growth to greater heights. We are firm in our commitment to build on our achievements to excel as a global leader".
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, said, "The end of this mission marks another bright spot in our space journey. The success of the mission is a testament to the success of the MBRSC team. Reflects the UAE's commitment to strengthening the UAE's position in research. We are dedicated to making meaningful contributions to the development and well-being of humanity. Sultan Al Neyadi dedicated 600 hours to conducting 200 experiments on the ISS. They represent key contributions that further strengthen our nation's legacy in the global space sector.
Al-Niyadi was received on the recovery ship by MBRSC Astronaut Office Manager Astronaut Huza Al-Mansoori, Al-Niyadi Flight Surgeon Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi and MBRSC Strategic Communications Department Saeed Al-Emadi. A special medical team immediately checked Al Neyadi's health parameters at the site before proceeding to the health camp for further tests to assess his physical condition.
MBRSC Chairman Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori said on the successful completion of the mission, "Today is a historic moment in the history of the UAE and its continued ambition for space exploration. We are grateful to the leadership of the UAE. Because of whose vision we were able to achieve these ambitions and make the space sector in the country what it is today.
He said, "Sultan's experiments on ISS have helped us advance human knowledge as well as benefit the scientific community around the world, giving the nation new hope and innovation in this field". The way to transcend to new realms is paved. We are glad that they returned safely to Earth and we are proud of their success.
Salim Hameed Al Mari, Director General of MBRSC said, "Under the guidance of our leadership, we have completed our first long-term mission, which will set a worthy example for future missions that we undertake. Sultan has set a milestone for the UAE and has inspired every future astronaut and space enthusiast with his mission and experiences on ISS. Together, our Emirati astronauts have made our nation proud while supporting our global partners".
Adnan Al Rais, Mission Manager of the UAE Astronaut Program at MBRSC, said: "The successful completion of the Sultan Al Neyadi mission marks a strategic milestone for the UAE in space exploration. During his time on the ISS, Sultan Conducted more than 200 landmark experiments and the first Arab spacewalk, while his outreach initiatives and constant communication about his activities in space kept not only the UAE but the world engaged and informed. Sultan's Achievements UAE astronauts are the essence of the programme's vision".
Sultan al-Niyadi returned to Earth aboard SpaceX's Dragon Endeavor spacecraft after six months aboard SpaceX's Dragon Endeavor spacecraft with other Crew 6 teammates, NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoberg, and Roscosmos astronaut Andrey Fedyayev.
The spacecraft completed its de-orbit burn before splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida. Four minutes before splashdown, the drogue parachutes opened at an altitude of about 18, 000 feet, helping the Dragon to reach a speed of about 560 km/h. In less than a minute, the main parachutes opened at about 6, 000 feet, helping the spacecraft land safely.
The UAE Astronaut Program is one of the projects managed by MBRSC under its National Space Program funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) which aims to promote research and development in the ICT sector in the UAE.
