Sharjah-native Nora Al Matrooshi is poised to embark on a groundbreaking space mission as the first female astronaut from the UAE, signifying a significant milestone for Arab women in space exploration. Nora, a 28-year-old mechanical engineer, was chosen with one other Emirati from thousands of applicants to undergo space training with ten NASA astronauts, aiming for graduation in space travel in 2024.
Nora's fascination with space exploration began in her early years, as she deeply engaged with the mysteries of planets and stars throughout her school days. Following the success of Emirati astronaut Al Neyadi's six-month space mission, the UAE is preparing for another historic moment as Nora Al Matrooshi, its first female astronaut, gets ready to launch into space in 2024. This ambitious endeavor was unveiled after a crucial meeting led by HH Sheikh Hamdan, President of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.
Nora is slated to make history in 2024 along with fellow Emirati astronaut Mohammad Al Mulla and ten other NASA colleagues. The UAE's ascent into space continues with the launch of MBZ-Sat, the most advanced Arab satellite to date, and the Rashid Rover 2 project, which explores the moon.
Nora Al Matrooshi, who was born in 1993, has had an extraordinary journey to become the first female astronaut from the United Arab Emirates. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United Arab Emirates University and furthered her education at Finland's Vaasa University of Applied Sciences.
In 2021, Nora's journey reached new heights when she was chosen for rigorous training at NASA, alongside 11 top applicants from around the world. Teamed up with fellow Emirati astronaut Mohammed Al-Mulla, Nora effortlessly became part of the second group in the UAE Astronaut Programme at the MBR Space Centre. Their objective was to explore scientific questions in depth, getting them ready for their momentous journey into space.
Nora Al Matrooshi has her sights set on space flight in 2024, and her impending adventure is expected to provide encouragement and motivation for other young Emirati women with aspirations of their own. Her journey symbolises a huge advancement for Arab women and female astronauts in the domains of space and scientific research.
