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Sat, Nov 23, 2024 | Jumada al-Awwal 21, 1446 | DXB
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Watch LIVE: Sultan AlNeyadi returns to UAE today
The 42-year-old astronaut spent about 4,400 hours in space and returned to Earth on September 4 in a SpaceX Dragon capsule
Photo: AFP
From royals to ministers, top officials, students, businessmen, and residents, an excited nation awaits the return of its Emirati hero who journeyed from the desert to space. Sultan AlNeyadi will return to the UAE today (Monday, September 18), after successfully completing the longest Arab space mission.
For six months, he raised the UAE flag high and proud aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and even stepped out of the orbital outpost for seven hours to become the first Arab spacewalker.
Dubbed #SultanHomecoming, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) will stream AlNeyadi’s return to the UAE live from 5.30pm.
A Khaleej Times team will be on the ground to give a blow-by-blow account of his triumphant homecoming on its digital and social media platforms.
The 42-year-old astronaut spent about 4,400 hours in space and returned to Earth on September 4 in a SpaceX Dragon capsule. He conducted over 200 experiments aboard the ISS that took 585 hours and collaborated with 10 international space agencies and 25 UAE and global universities.
The astronaut, who has maintained multiple times that he is ready for his next mission, will advocate all things science back on Earth. With outreach programmes and talks, he will inspire the next generation of space travellers and scientists.
Taking to platform X, UAE’s first astronaut, Hazzaa AlMansoori — who is the Astronauts Office Manager at the MBRSC — revealed that AlNeyadi will share his unique experience with different entities such as schools and universities.
The aim is to promote science, share knowledge, and inspire future generations, he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Hanan AlSuwaidi, who was AlNeyadi’s flight surgeon, shared the “good news” that the astronaut has undergone a rehabilitation programme. His health has improved by the hour, she added. “We will see you soon in the UAE.”
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Nandini Sircar
Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women's narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it's the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage.
Sahim Salim
As Associate Editor, Sahim Salim helps tell the UAE story like no one else does - and leads a team of reporters that asks the questions to get news and headlines that matter.
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