Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE astronaut, became the first Arab astronaut to complete a spacewalk by performing a maintenance task outside the International Space Station (ISS).
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said: “After three years of intensive training, today we see Sultan AlNeyadi on his first spacewalk, carrying out several tasks outside the International Space Station. AlNeyadi is the first ever Emirati, first Arab and first Muslim astronaut to perform a spacewalk.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid added: “It is a fact that many stars have Arabic names. Arabs are capable and innovative. Our focus on science and investment in youth will shape our future.”
“Counting down the hours until we pass through the ISS airlock into space. Wearing the spacesuit and proudly bearing the UAE flag on my arm, I will soon be undertaking the Arab world’s first spacewalk. Wish us luck!,” The UAE astronaut Al Neyadi tweeted before performing the spacewalk.
Adnan AlRais, Mission Manager, UAE Astronaut Programme, MBRSC, said, “The historic achievement of the first-ever Arab spacewalk by Sultan AlNeyadi, as part of the longest Arab space mission in history, represents a remarkable milestone for the UAE. From the outset of the UAE Astronaut Programme journey, our astronauts have always set their sights on achieving the extraordinary, and with unparalleled skill and determination, they have risen to the challenge in a way that has captivated the world’s attention. As we celebrate this momentous achievement, we look eagerly to the future with great anticipation, as a new cadre of UAE professionals prepares for future missions that will enable them to further showcase our nation’s growing capabilities in the field of space exploration.”
Al Neyadi was selected by NASA to carry out the spacewalk with his NASA colleague Stephen Bowen, which was broadcasted live by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre (MBRSC), the agency that administers the UAE Astronaut Programme in Dubai.
MBR Space Centre provided information about the spacesuit worn by Al Neyadi during the spacewalk. The livestream of the event began at 4.30 pm UAE time.
