Sultan Al Neyadi becomes the first Arab astronaut to spacewalk

The historic event is scheduled to take place on 28 April. 

We are counting down the days to the first UAE spacewalk. The event marks the first time that an Arab astronaut will perform a spacewalk on the International Space Station. Scheduled to take place on 28 April, here’s what you need to know about the historical event.

The UAE’s astronaut and Mission Specialist, Sultan Al Neyadi, is part of Crew-6 on the ISS. The UAE is set to become the tenth country to perform a spacewalk, and Sultan will be the 262nd person to perform a spacewalk. Plus, he will be accompanied by NASA Flight Engineer Stephen Bowen on the mission.

Spacewalks (technically known as Extravehicular Activity) look fancy in the likes of Gravity, but are crucial for maintaining the ISS. The procedure can last up to six and a half hours, and includes repairs and upgrades. In order to complete the spacewalk, Sultan has trained for more than 55 hours in a mock-up of the ISS.

His Excellency Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, explained: “Sultan Al Neyadi’s historic spacewalk is a testament to the UAE’s unwavering dedication to advancing the frontiers of space exploration and fostering international cooperation. As the first Arab astronaut set to perform an EVA, AlNeyadi carries the aspirations of the entire region and symbolises the limitless possibilities of our collective achievements.

“This milestone is also an embodiment of our long-term vision to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global leader in space, science, and technology, as we continue to inspire future generations to pursue knowledge and innovation relentlessly.”

Sultan has been in space for more than one month. The mission took off on 2 March, and docked onto the ISS on 3 March. Crew-6 consists of Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, NASA’s Mission Commander Stephen Bowen, and Pilot Warren Hoburg.

Sultan has shared how he is proud to represent the UAE. The mission lasts six months, and he revealed that he has local food onboard and shares dates with his colleagues during Ramadan.

Good luck. 

GO: Visit www.mbrsc.ae for more information.