Emiratis look determined to fulfill their dream of becoming astronauts and achieving new heights for their nation. Following the announcement, made in December 2017, from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre has received 4,022 applications for the UAE Astronaut Programme.
The applicants are from 38 different fields and are aged between 17-67 years old. 34 per cent of the applicants are Emirati Women.
In the second phase, as announced earlier, the applications will be assessed based on the qualifications of each applicant. Shortlisted candidates will be chosen to undertake theoretical and practical tests, training and qualification courses, and aptitude tests over several months, in accordance with the international standards required for different missions. This intensive screening programme allows Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre to choose the most suitable candidates for the board the International Space Station (ISS) in the first UAE space flight.
Ultimately, four candidates will be chosen as part of the UAE Astronaut Team who will undergo a series of training programmes to hone and develop the required skillset to board the International Space Station (ISS) in the first UAE space flight. They will also be responsible for sharing their knowledge and experiences with other international astronauts and promote UAE achievements in the space sector.
Image credit: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre