UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi has successfully returned to Earth after an extraordinary six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This mission marked the UAE’s second human spaceflight and the Arab world’s inaugural extended mission, while also being the first instance of an Arab astronaut conducting a spacewalk.
The journey back to Earth culminated with a SpaceX Dragon capsule splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, at 8:17 AM UAE time on a Monday. Notably, this historic mission expanded the horizons of space exploration for the entire Arab region.Nasa celebrated the safe return of the Crew-6 mission, highlighting its significance: “Welcome home! Crew-6 splashed down safely in the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, at 12:17 AM ET after 186 days aboard the ISS, completing important research.”
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum conveyed his warm congratulations to UAE astronaut Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi for his triumphant return to Earth. He expressed immense pride in Dr. Al Neyadi and the entire team for their remarkable achievements in space exploration. Sheikh Mohamed remarked that they carried the dreams of a nation to new frontiers, and he celebrated their pioneering journey and safe return.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, recognized the inspirational impact of Dr. Al Neyadi’s achievements on millions of Arab youth. He extended his congratulations to the people of the Emirates and all Arab youth, emphasizing that Dr. Al Neyadi’s mission marked a historic milestone as the first Arab astronaut to undertake an extended mission to the International Space Station.
Following the splashdown, a SpaceX crew arrived at the recovery site via boat to ensure that the Dragon capsule was free from any leaks of toxic gases before it could be transported to a recovery ship. Engineers then unsealed the hatch to facilitate the astronauts’ exit.For astronauts who have spent extended durations in space, immediately walking upon return can be challenging as their bodies readjust to Earth’s gravity. The recovery process can last up to two hours.
During his mission, Dr. Al Neyadi conducted over 200 scientific experiments aboard the ISS, encompassing projects assigned by Nasa as well as those undertaken in collaboration with universities across the UAE. Additionally, he devoted significant time to documenting the Earth from a unique vantage point, with a particular focus on Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Participating in the “A Call from Space” outreach initiative by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, Dr. Al Neyadi engaged with students across the UAE through live calls from the ISS.
While Dr. Al Neyadi may have returned from space, his mission continues in various ways. He will collaborate with researchers to finalize the scientific investigations he participated in while onboard the ISS, reporting on his work and undergoing medical tests to assess the potential effects of microgravity on his mental and physical well-being. Additionally, he will participate in a mandatory recovery program designed to help him adapt to Earth’s gravity once more, mitigating issues like bone density and muscle loss that can result from extended space travel. As part of this program, astronauts are required to engage in at least two hours of daily exercise while in orbit.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 5th September 2023
