Sultan AlNeyadi to return to Earth on Sept 3: MBRSC

Image: Getty Images

Sultan AlNeyadi, the UAE astronaut, is scheduled to return from the International Space Station (ISS) on September 3, after the successful completion of the longest Arab space mission, according to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

AlNeyadi along with NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren Hoburg, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, will depart the ISS aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft Endeavour on September 2.

According to NASA, the team is set for a splashdown off the coast of Tampa, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico on September 3.

Prior to initiating the deorbit sequence, stringent checks will be performed, especially pertaining to forecasted weather conditions and recovery readiness at the designated splashdown location.

On 2 September, the Dragon spacecraft will undock from the ISS, carrying aboard @Astro_Alneyadi and his Crew-6 crewmates. The arrival is scheduled for 3 September. pic.twitter.com/spgytnk5ID

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 29, 2023

The longest Arab space mission in history: Sultan AlNeyadi makes history

Launched on March 2, aboard the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft, the six-month mission was carried out by AlNeyadi, NASA astronauts Bowen and Hoburg, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Fedyaev.

In a few days, @Astro_Alneyadi is set to return to Earth after the completion of the longest Arab space mission in history, during which he conducted over 200 scientific experiments.@MBRSpaceCentre pic.twitter.com/yltIwKtSAq

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 29, 2023

Sultan AlNeyadi involved in over 200 experiments

Over the course of the mission, AlNeyadi was involved in over 200 experiments, partnering with international space agencies and UAE and global universities. His contributions span diverse fields, including plant genetics, human life sciences, exploration technology, fluid dynamics, material science, protein crystallisation growth, and advanced exploration technologies.

These experiments have helped the scientific community, researchers and students in the UAE and around the world.

AlNeyadi achieved a number of firsts for a UAE astronaut during this mission, including becoming the first Arab to complete a spacewalk, alongside his fellow crewmate NASA astronaut Bowen.

During the mission, AlNeyadi engaged in 19 educational and community outreach events called the “A Call from Space” series, in which over 10,000 people took part and interacted with him through live video calls and ham radio sessions.

5 days left for the return of astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi to Earth after completing the longest Arab space mission in history.#SafeReturnSultan#ZayedAmbition pic.twitter.com/zeSn7ozpRS

— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) August 29, 2023