The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has reported that the Emirati astronaut, Sultan Al Neyadi, is scheduled to return from the International Space Station (ISS) on September 3rd, following the successful completion of the longest Arab space mission.
Al Neyadi, along with NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren Hoburg, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, will leave the ISS using the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft Endeavour on September 2nd.
According to NASA, the group is ready for a water landing near the shores of Tampa, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico on September 3rd, as reported by Gulf Business.
Before initiating the descent, the team will conduct thorough checks, placing special emphasis on assessing the expected weather conditions and ensuring preparedness for recovery at the designated water landing area.
Launched on March 2 via SpaceX Dragon Endeavour, the six-month mission involved Al Neyadi, NASA’s Bowen and Hoburg, and Roscosmos’ Fedyaev.
Throughout the mission, Al Neyadi participated in 200+ experiments, collaborating with global space agencies, UAE and international universities.
His work spanned areas like genetics, human life sciences, fluid dynamics, and exploration tech.
These studies aided global researchers, students, and the UAE community. Al Neyadi achieved milestones like being the first Arab to spacewalk, alongside NASA’s Bowen.
He also conducted 19 “A Call from Space” events, connecting with 10,000+ participants through live video calls and ham radio sessions.
As the mission approaches its conclusion, the Crew-6 team is currently in the process of transferring responsibilities to the Crew-7 astronauts. The Crew-7 astronauts successfully docked and entered the ISS at 6:58 PM (UAE time) on August 27.
Managed by MBRSC through the UAE’s National Space Programme and backed by the ICT Fund of TDRA, the UAE Astronaut Programme seeks to boost ICT research in the UAE and elevate its global standing.
