In a momentous achievement for the United Arab Emirates’ space program, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has officially confirmed the triumphant return of astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi from the International Space Station (ISS). This moment marks the culmination of the longest Arab space mission to date, spanning a remarkable six months.
This achievement cements the UAE’s position among the world’s prominent spacefaring nations. The SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft, carrying Sultan Al Neyadi, successfully undocked from the International Space Station at 3:05 PM (UAE time) on September 3, 2023, and gracefully touched down off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida at 8:17 AM (UAE time) on September 4, 2023.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, expressed his heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable milestone, stating, “I extend my congratulations to the UAE President on yet another milestone in our ambitious space program’s evolution. As we welcome Sultan Al Neyadi back to Earth, I commend him and the entire MBRSC team on the successful completion of this historic mission.”
He continued, “In just six years since the launch of the UAE’s Space Pioneers program, we have celebrated two groundbreaking Emirati space missions. These achievements reflect the UAE’s commitment to shaping a brighter future for the world.”
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of this mission’s success in bolstering the UAE’s status in space exploration.
Sultan Al Neyadi dedicated 600 hours to conducting 200 experiments on the ISS, representing significant contributions that enhance the nation’s legacy in the global space arena. Upon his return, Al Neyadi was received by MBRSC Astronaut Hazzaa Al Mansoori and a specialized medical team ensured his well-being before further health assessments.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, expressed gratitude to the UAE’s visionary leadership and highlighted that Sultan’s success on the ISS has set a benchmark for space travel, inspiring future generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts.
Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of MBRSC, praised Sultan’s mission as a milestone that will serve as a worthy precedent for future missions, while Adnan Al Rais, Mission Manager of the UAE Astronaut Programme, hailed the completion of Sultan Al Neyadi’s mission as a strategic milestone for the UAE in space exploration.
Sultan Al Neyadi, along with his fellow Crew-6 crewmates, NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, safely returned to Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft. The spacecraft executed a flawless deorbit burn and descended gracefully, with drogue parachutes deploying at 18,000 feet and main parachutes at 6,000 feet to ensure a secure landing.
The UAE Astronaut Programme, managed by MBRSC under the UAE’s National Space Programme and funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), plays a pivotal role in advancing research and development in the ICT sector in the UAE while positioning the country on the global stage of space exploration.
