Who is Nora Al Matrooshi, the UAE’s first female astronaut to head to space in 2024?

Image credit: Nora AlMatrooshi/X

In a recent meeting of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the centre, announced an update on the UAE’S ambitious future space programmes.

Sheikh Hamdan, shared insights into the nation’s future in space exploration, highlighted the upcoming groundbreaking ventures that the UAE is poised to embark upon in 2024.

“The next phase of our journey will see groundbreaking Emirati space ventures,” stated Sheikh Hamdan.

He added, “We aim to be a major player in shaping the future of space exploration. We seek to raise the UAE’s stature in the global space industry with exceptional projects that will bring enduring benefits to humanity.”

I chaired a board meeting of the @MBRSpaceCentre and laid out the blueprint for new ambitious initiatives.

The next phase of our journey will see groundbreaking Emirati space ventures.

We aim to be a major player in shaping the future of space exploration.

We seek to raise the… pic.twitter.com/BcZGofmOMS

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) October 2, 2023

The Chosen pioneers: Mohammad Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi

In a significant development, Sheikh Hamdan announced, “By 2024, Mohammed Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi will embark on trailblazing space missions,” underscoring the UAE’s commitment to advancing its space programme.

The two distinguished astronauts who have been selected to lead the UAE’s foray into space are Mohammad Al Mulla, a former Dubai Police helicopter pilot, and Nora Al Matrooshi, the UAE’s first female astronaut and an accomplished engineer.

These pioneering astronauts were inducted into the UAE’s astronaut corps in 2021 and subsequently underwent intensive training at NASA’s facilities in Houston, Texas.

Meet Nora Al Matrooshi

Nora Al Matrooshi, hailing from Sharjah, possesses an impressive academic background.

She graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United Arab Emirates University and further honed her skills through specialised training at the Vaasa University of Applied Sciences in Finland.

Nora’s journey to space began when she was chosen in 2021 to train at NASA, alongside 11 candidates from around the world, including her compatriot, Mohammed Al-Mulla.

After completing their training, Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla joined the second batch of candidates for the UAE Astronaut Programme at the MBRSC. This comprehensive programme prepares them to conduct scientific investigations vital for their upcoming space missions.

Nora Al Matrooshi’s upcoming mission to space in 2024 holds immense significance.

Not only will it mark a historic milestone as she becomes the UAE’s first female astronaut to venture into space, but it will also serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring Emirati women space enthusiasts.

The UAE’s commitment to space exploration underscores its dedication to advancing human knowledge and contributing to the global space industry’s growth.