UAE Celebrates Sultan AlNeyadis Successful ISS Space Mission

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (right) with Sultan Al Neyadi upon his return to the UAE

Image Credit: X/@MohamedBinZayed

On Monday, September 18, Sultan AlNeyadi touched down in Abu Dhabi to a hero's welcome. 

The country's top leaders, including President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Dubai's Ruler, were present to greet him. AlNeyadi was also warmly welcomed by his father and his three children.

The leaders praised AlNeyadi for setting a new record for the longest space mission by an Arab astronaut and for being the first Arab to conduct a spacewalk. He is also one of the first two astronauts from the United Arab Emirates, along with Hazzaa AlMansoori. He is the first Arab to serve on the International Space Station for a 6-month mission, as part of Expedition 69.

In a subsequent media briefing, AlNeyadi shared his future space ambitions, particularly his interest in lunar exploration. 

He highlighted the UAE's commitment to the Artemis Accords as a significant move toward this objective. AlNeyadi expressed his wish to be involved in the upcoming Lunar Gateway project, emphasizing that his participation would depend on the mission's appropriateness and timing.

He also stressed the value of the scientific experiments he conducted in space, as well as the importance of preserving our planet and promoting global harmony. 

AlNeyadi's successful return is a milestone not just for the UAE but also for the worldwide community interested in space exploration.

Source: Industry News