As the first Arab astronaut deployed on a long-term space mission, having arrived on the ISS in March alongside three Americans and three Russians, and the first Arab to perform a spacewalk, AlNeyadi is blazing a trail for the Arab world’s budding space industry.
Metropolis Desk-
Sultan AlNeyadi, an astronaut from the United Arab Emirates, has achieved a major victory for Arab space exploration. AlNeyadi is leading a new era as the first Arab astronaut sent on an extended trip to space and the first to do a spacewalk. This accomplishment highlights the Arab world’s rising significance in space exploration, a field that was hitherto dominated by Western countries.
With its space industries, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are exhibiting a rising emphasis on technology and medical research. The Saudi Space Agency, which was founded four years ago, has played a significant role in boosting research and development, diversifying the economy, and raising private sector involvement in the global space industry.
Since then, the agency has partnered with various well-known space agencies, astronautical businesses, and esteemed colleges, displaying a desire for global cooperation.
The first Saudi woman in space, Rayyanah Barnawi, and a qualified fighter pilot, Ali Alqarni, traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) on a private mission in May. The importance of their arrival was emphasized by AlNeyadi, who referred to it as a strange event and emphasized their common enthusiasm for space travel.
Launched in 2017, the UAE Astronaut Program has significantly increased the Arab world’s presence in space. AlNeyadi started his training in September 2018 at several international training facilities after being selected from more than 4,000 candidates.
His extensive training, which included more than 90 courses and more than 1,400 hours, equipped him for the unique experience of spending a significant amount of time living and working in zero gravity. The goal of AlNeyadi symbolizes the desire of Arab countries to participate in international space exploration.
Arab space exploration has entered a new phase as a result of the accomplishments of AlNeyadi, Barnawi, and Alqarni. Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s increasing interest in and investment in the space sector herald a change in the global space environment. Future space exploration seems more inclusive and diverse as the Arab world starts to make its mark.
The Arab world is ready to make substantial contributions to our understanding of the cosmos because to the path paved by pioneers like Al-Neyadi. As we all work to solve the cosmos’ mysteries, these accomplishments not only mark a victory for the Arab countries but also for the entire world.
The Arab world is sending a clear message to the rest of the world that the age of Arab space exploration has arrived as it continues to fund its space industry and develop its own expertise.
Source- Arab News
