28th April 2023 marked a momentous occasion for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as its very own Sultan Al Neyadi became the first Arab astronaut to carry out a spacewalk. The UAE has been making significant strides in space exploration, and this latest achievement will undoubtedly add to the nation's growing list of accomplishments.
Dr. Al Neyadi underwent extensive training beginning in 2018 and was ultimately selected by NASA to participate in the spacewalk. His inclusion in this elite group of astronauts is a testament to his unwavering dedication and remarkable skill. Alongside his NASA colleague Stephen Bowen, Dr. Al Neyadi will spend approximately seven hours outside the International Space Station, performing essential maintenance tasks and upgrading the station's systems.
Among the tasks on their to-do list are relocating and retrieving foot restraints for future spacewalks, preparing a section of the station for a forthcoming solar array installation, and retrieving communication hardware. These tasks may seem mundane, but they are critical to ensuring that the space station functions smoothly and effectively.
The UAE will proudly join the ranks of just ten other countries to have carried out a spacewalk, out of a total of 260 spacewalks conducted since 1998. It is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the country's commitment to advancing its space program.
All eyes in the region and beyond were on Dr. Al Neyadi as he embarked on this historic journey. The mission was covered live on the NASA website, and his achievements are undoubtedly celebrated by the UAE and the Arab world at large.
Salem Al Marri, the director general of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center in Dubai, expressed his excitement about this significant milestone, stating, "I'm very excited for him, and he's very happy. It's quite historic and shows how far our space program has gone." Dr. Al Neyadi's accomplishments are a testament to his capabilities, having undergone training since 2018 and with NASA since 2020.
Despite the challenges of performing a spacewalk in bulky EMU suits weighing almost 127 kg, Dr. Al Neyadi and Bowen will be weightless as they work outside the station. Tethered to each suit, they will exit the airlock and climb outside the structure to begin their work.
This mission marks yet another achievement for Dr. Al Neyadi, who will embark on the Arab world's first long-duration space journey. His accomplishments are a testament to the UAE's unwavering dedication to advancing its space program, and his success will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Emirati astronauts.
