Two new UAE astronauts will graduate from the programme for future space missions by 2024

It was revealed that two additional UAE astronauts will graduate from the programme in 2024, opening opportunities for future space missions. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, the head of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), and the chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, made the announcement. He spoke on Monday during an MBRSC board meeting that he chaired.

"Mohammed Al Mulla and Nora Al Matroushi will set out on groundbreaking space missions by 2024," Sheikh Hamdan said on his X (previously Twitter) account. He also provided updates on a mission to explore the moon and the launch of a satellite.

According to Sheikh Hamdan, the Centre is dedicated to achieving the UAE's goal of elevating the Arab world's stature as a major participant in the space industry by launching audacious initiatives that will benefit mankind for generations to come. He received an update on the Center's ambitious missions and upcoming activities during the meeting.

Sheikh Hamdan was informed at the meeting about the recent achievements of MBRSC, such as the successful completion of the longest Arab space mission, which was headed by UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, and the UAE's cooperation with prominent local and international universities as well as international space agencies. More than 200 experiments were carried out as part of the mission, which demonstrated the country's dedication to using science and space exploration for the sake of humanity.

Following KhalifaSAT, MBZ-SAT will be the second satellite with all its electrical components and 90% of its mechanical construction constructed domestically by Emirati experts.

The UAE Astronaut Initiative:

The future stages for the UAE Astronaut Programme and the training of the two astronauts, Muhammad Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi, who were chosen to train with ten NASA astronauts, were also discussed at the conference. When Al Mulla and Al Matrooshi complete the project in 2024, they will be prepared for space flights.

MBZ-SAT:

The most recent satellite building projects, such as MBZ-SAT, which will be the most advanced commercial satellite in the region when it launches next year and is intended to design, build, and operate cutting-edge earth-monitoring satellites, were reviewed by Sheikh Hamdan.

Rashid Rover:

The newest lunar expedition of the United Arab Emirates, known as Rashid Rover 2, was reported to Sheikh Hamdan in April by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE as well as the Ruler of Dubai. The goal of the mission is to expand upon the successes of the earlier project, which designed and constructed the world's smallest rover, known as "Rashid Rover." This rover was the first Arab and Emirati to reach lunar orbit prior to an attempt to land on iSpace's HAKUTO-R lander.

The satellite Payload Hosting Initiative, a cooperative project between MBRSC and the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to enhance capacity-building and promote space science and technology in poor nations, was also covered at the board meeting. The programme offers a great chance to showcase creativity and cutting-edge technology.

Sheikh Hamdan gave a summary of the most recent developments on the "Hope Probe," highlighting its remarkable achievements that have contributed to the discovery of information about the red planet Mars.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre establishes a launchpad for the local space sector by collaborating with area businesses. The Centre has formed partnerships with regional businesses to produce aluminium honeycomb panels, one of the MBZ-SAT's component parts. Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre establishes a launchpad for the local space sector by collaborating with area businesses. The Centre has formed partnerships with regional businesses to produce aluminium honeycomb panels, one of the MBZ-SAT's component parts.