The first Arab long-duration astronaut mission as part of the UAE Astronaut Programme has been confirmed to launch on 26 February.
The six-month mission, announced by The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), aims to develop the capabilities of Emirati astronauts and enable them to operate the ISS.
The programme will see Sultan Al Neyadi, along with two astronauts, launched to the International Space Station from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, while aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Sultan, the Emirati astronaut, will become the flight engineer for Expedition 69 once aboard the station.
The mission will include experiments and research, as well as important scientific findings about outer space, where Sultan will also train and prepare a team of Emirati astronauts before sending them into space to carry out various scientific missions.