Last week, the UAE celebrated its first astronaut embarking on his adventure into space.
Former Emirati F-16 aircraft pilot Major Hazzaa AlMansoori became the first Emirati national to orbit the earth. He was welcomed aboard the International Space Station on Sep 25.
According to National Geographic “. . . his journey will mark an important milestone in the UAE’s burgeoning space industry, led by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).”
According to The National “Maj. Hazzaa AlMansoori greeted the world with a ‘salaam alaikum’ from the ISS, eight hours after a historic blast off from Earth.”
The news source reports he will be in space for eight days and will return to earth on Oct 3.
Naturally, the event took social media by storm with UAE nationals, residents and fans excitedly sharing tweets and Insta-posts in celebration of the event.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum took to his Twitter account and shared the following message.
Over two years ago, my brother Mohammed bin Zayed & I launched the UAE Astronaut Programme. Today, we celebrate the historic flight of the first Emirati Astronaut to the International Space Station. An Emirati achievement we take pride in and dedicate to Muslim & Arab nations. pic.twitter.com/rVQej7IxXW
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) September 25, 2019
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum posted the below video, excited that “Zayed’s dream comes true”.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre uploaded footage of Maj. AlMansoori has successfully reaching and entering the International Space Station.
Interested in staying up-to-date with Maj. AlMansoori adventures in space? Be sure to follow @mbrspacecentre on Instagram for updates.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo credit: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.