City
Epaper

First UAE astronaut enters ISS

By IANS | Updated: September 26, 2019 12:00 IST

Hazzaa AlMansoori has become the first astronaut from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to enter the International Space Station (ISS) after the Soyuz spacecraft carrying him and two others successfully docked at the ISS.

Open in App

AlMansoori, 35, headed to space with Russian commander Oleg Skripochka and Nasa astronaut Jessica Meir on Wednesday onboard a Soyuz spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, the Khaleej Times reported.

At 5.57 p.m., the FG rocket took off from Baikonur, powering the Soyuz spacecraft that carried three-member crew.

The spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS at 11.42 p.m., three minutes ahead of schedule.

After contact was established between ground team and the astronauts on the Soyuz, AlMansoori told the Dubai-based Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) centre control room: "We reached safely, thank God. Hello to all my people in UAE," Gulf News reported.

From inside the ISS on Thursday morning, AlMansoori while talking to the NASA Mission Control Boston, via a video link along with the eight other astronauts, said: "I am so happy to hear your voices. I wish I could have shared what i saw with you. Beautiful scenery of sunsets and sunrises the earth.

"I say hello to our leaders, our people and all the Arabs."

The UAE is the 19th visiting country to the ISS and AlMansoori is its 240th visitor.

AlMansoori previously worked as a military pilot flying the F-16 jet before he was chosen to become the UAE's first astronaut from 4,022 candidates.

He will conduct 16 scientific experiments particularly on the effect of microgravity on the human body.

The astronaut will also conduct Earth observation and imaging and hold tour the Arab world live inside the ISS in Arabic. A traditional Emirati night is also on schedule where he will share Emirati dishes with his space colleagues.

AlMansoori will return to Earth on October 3 onboard a Soyuz MS-12 rocket that is on standby on the ISS.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: UAEEmiratiBaikonurEarth
Open in App

Related Stories

CricketPakistan to Boycott Asia Cup 2025: Team Yet To Arrive At Stadium Ahead of Crucial Clash Against UAE: Reports

CricketAsia Cup 2025: India Qualify for Super Four After Oman Get Eliminated

CricketUAE vs Oman 2025 Live Streaming: When and Where to Watch Live Telecast of Asia Cup Group B Must-Win Match

MumbaiMumbai: DRI Seizes 28 Containers of Pakistani-Origin Goods Worth ₹12 Crore at Nhava Sheva Port

CricketBAN vs SL 2025 Live Streaming: Head-to-Head Record, When and Where to Watch Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup Clash

International Realted Stories

InternationalTrump administration plans to fire federal workers as shutdown begins

InternationalUAE President receives Global Rail Exhibition and Conference delegation

InternationalEarthquake of magnitude 3.1 hits Myanmar

InternationalWill be meeting Xi Jinping in four weeks, says Trump

InternationalDeath toll reaches 69 in Philippines earthquake