They will begin training in Johnson Space next December

Al-Mulla and Al-Matrooshi join NASA's Astronaut Program 2021

• Mohammed Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi.

  From the source

• Astronauts are selected based on the type of mission and experience they have.

  From the source

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The Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center, Yousef Hamad Al Shaibani, said during a press conference held by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center yesterday that the two new astronauts, Mohammed Al Mulla and Noura Al Matrooshi, will begin their training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, USA, next December. As part of the NASA Astronaut Program 2021.

The conference witnessed the presentation of the pioneers of the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Program, in the media, for the first time, after they were selected from among 4,305 applicants.

Al Shaibani added, "The new batch of the program translates our continuous pursuit of space exploration and carrying out manned missions. It also forms part of our goal of developing the space sector in the UAE and preparing a generation of Emirati engineers, experts and researchers."

He said that "Mohammed and Noura have prestigious qualifications and high passion," stressing his confidence that "they will be able to achieve a lot of success during the training and rehabilitation programs that they will undergo in the coming months."

The Center's Deputy Director General and Program Director, Salem Al-Marri, stated that "a seat in a nearby mission has not been reserved for an Emirati astronaut yet, and we are currently focusing on training the four astronauts (Hazza Al Mansouri, Sultan Al Neyadi, Muhammad Al Mulla, and Noura Al Matrooshi)", adding that Hazza and Sultan began their training last September at the Johnson Space Center, and Muhammad and Noura will join them at the end of this year, and during this period we are discussing with other parties the next space flight, and determining the appropriate time for it.”

He said, "The selection mechanism and the results that resulted from it embodied the goals of the center, including supporting the vision of the UAE that focuses on scientific research and exploration, consolidating its position as a global partner in manned space flights, and developing a national team of astronauts to achieve the country's aspirations in scientific exploration." Participation in manned expeditions.

Al Marri added: "The program will contribute to global space exploration missions by training and preparing a team of Emirati astronauts, promoting a culture of scientific research, and encouraging exploration and innovation among the youth of the UAE and the Arab world in general."

For his part, Director of the Astronauts' Office, Saeed Karmestji, told "Emirates Today" that "the mission of the Emirati astronauts will determine the future, because the two new astronauts have not yet entered the stage of basic training, scheduled at the Johnson Center." Space is space exploration, and we have the ambition to provide any mission in order to achieve this goal.”

He added, "After completing the exercises, and determining the stage that the two Emirati astronauts have reached, we will determine the destination of the next Emirati space mission," noting that "each mission is chosen for the astronauts based on their educational and practical backgrounds, and the experiences they enjoy, and then falls Choosing the most appropriate and worthy to do the job.”

The two new astronauts began basic training and learned 20% of the Russian language skills at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center, in addition to the flight training, which the center is currently looking for a partner to implement.

The two astronauts completed about 60 hours of training, to prepare them to move to the Johnson Center.

Astronaut Mohammed Al-Mulla expressed his feeling of pride for representing his country in its endeavors to explore space.

"I look forward to being part of the next mission to space, to enhance the future of the country's achievements in this field," he said.

Noura Al Matroushi, the first Arab astronaut, confirmed that she is eagerly looking forward to joining the NASA Astronaut Program for the year 2021.

She said: "I will meet pioneers from different countries of the world, work together for the good of humanity, and explore together new horizons that humans have not reached before."

• Mohamed and Nora are highly qualified and passionate, and they will be able to achieve a lot of success.

Mohammed Al Mulla

■ He was born in 1988 in the Emirate of Dubai.

■ Obtained a commercial pilot's license at the age of 19.

■ The youngest pilot and youngest trainer in Dubai Police.

■ Received a BA in Law and Economics in 2015.

■ Obtained an Executive Master's degree in 2021.

■ He works as a pilot at the Dubai Police Air Wing Center.

■ He was awarded the Medal of Courage, the Commander-in-Chief Award, and the Career Excellence Award.

■ He dreams of being part of the first Emirati team to go to explore the moon.

Nora Al Matrooshi

■ She was born in 1993 in the Emirate of Sharjah.

■ Received a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

■ She received a training course at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences in Finland.

■ Al Matrooshi works as an engineer at the National Petroleum Construction Company.

■ Member of the American Society of American Engineers.

■ Represented the UAE youth in a conference at the United Nations 2018 and 2019.

■ aspires to enter the space field to participate in a space flight to the moon.

■ Member of the "Formula 1 - Abu Dhabi" organizing team for 3 consecutive years.

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