Dubai: Four days before the deadline for the application for the first four UAE astronauts, the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) held a workshop in Dubai to inspire and educate potential candidates from government entities about the space mission.
The hunt for the UAE’s first astronauts began on December 6 last year to choose and train four Emiratis within the next four years to go to space and join other astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS).
The Emirati astronauts will be trained to carry out vital experiments in space that “will contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of human space flight to meet future challenges, such as a manned mission to Mars”.
Some 200 “elite employees” were recommended by their agencies, both government and semi-government entities, as their best employees for the UAE Astronauts Programme. More than 3,000 people have applied to become the UAE’s first batch of astronauts.
Salem Al Merri, assistant director-general for Scientific and Technical Affairs at MBRSC and head of the higher committee of the UAE Astronaut Programme, said the nominations show the positive drive and passion of Emiratis looking to represent the UAE among top professional astronauts across the world and be “part of our mission to make significant strides in human space flight”.
“Through these workshops, we also hope to inspire them about the endless possibilities of space exploration and spark a passion towards the field within them,” Al Merri said.
During the workshop, Saud Karmustaji, head of Operations for UAE Astronaut Programme, briefed the candidates on the selection process, the key skills and qualifications astronauts need, the training modules as well as life on board the ISS.
- Saud Karmustaji | Head of Operations for UAE Astronaut Programme
“We will pick the best of the best,” Karmustaji said. “One of the important competencies needed is the applicants should be both a team player and team leader. They should be thorough and detail-oriented because they will have to operate the ISS. They should have the ability to multi-task, to understand science. They should also be physically and mentally fit.”
Amel Ameen, head of Education at MBRSC and selection lead for UAE Astronaut Programme, said once the application process closes on March 31, the selection process will take roughly one to one-and-a-half months. Applicants will be notified via email if they made it to the next step of the application.
Karmustaji reiterated that the application is open to both Emirati men and women over 18 years as the selection process is not based on gender but on qualification.
“You will be representing your country, the Arab region, to the world and you represent the world to space. You will serve your country in space. You can be a role model for the country and the new generation,” he said.
International Space Station:
A permanent laboratory 400km above the surface of the Earth where gravity has been virtually eliminated
As big as a US football field or a five-bedroom house; it’s rally narrow and really long
15 countries partnered to build the ISS: 11 European countries, the US, Japan, Canada and Russia
It orbits the earth 16 times a day, giving astronauts 16 sunrises and sunsets in one day; one full orbit around the earth takes 90 minutes.
Ahmad Al Ali, Captain Boeing 777, based in Dubai
“My answer to why I want to be an astronaut might astonish you. Honestly, I want to be an astronaut because I want to save humanity. If we remain a single-planet species, the unavoidable truth is we’re headed for extinction. So we want to try and find a way to live in another planet and next on the list is the Red Planet, Mars. We fly the B777 and we have two engines, why? In case one fails, we have backup. So what do we have as a backup on Earth? Nothing. I tried to apply in Nasa once but unfortunately I did not qualify because I do not have a US passport. I have also toured the mock-up facilities for astronaut training and have learnt a lot about it. As far as competencies are concerned, being in an aluminium tube for a long time is no trouble at all for me and proof of that is my 8,000 flight hours on the B777. That’s equivalent to one year in semi-space, if you can call it that. As a pilot, I’m used to jet lag and homesickness. I learn very fast and I know a little Russian because my wife is from Serbia. The salary is the least of my concern as an astronaut because I’m sacrificing and giving my life away all for the sake of my hopes to save the planet.”
“I studied aerospace engineering because I’m really interested in space. I’ve always dreamed to become an astronaut since I was nine years old. I’ve always worked to improve myself and I want to be an inspiration for the next generation. I’ve been a youth delegate to the United Nations so I know how to be a leader and a follower at the same time. As far as being physically fit is concerned, I used to be a basketball player and I am now into boxing. I know how to manage myself. I know how to be an introvert and an extrovert; I can balance it. I am ambitious and am always willing to go the extra mile for something I am passionate about. I read a lot about outer space — it’s time I live the experience.”
“I applied to become the UAE’s first astronaut because it has always been my dream to become one. I like adventures and I want to delve into the unknown and see and experience new and strange things for me. As a customer service agent, I know how to deal with different kinds of people. I am patient and I know how to support my colleagues. I am also the funniest in our team. I have a sense of humour which I think is also needed in highly stressful environments. I am into sports, specifically tennis and squash. As far as language goes, I already know one Russian word.”
Alya Mohammad, 26, HR admin, Fewa, Ajman
“I have always loved space. It’s my passion. More than studying it, I just love it. I love to watch movies and documentaries about space, space explorations and anything related to it. I also used to work as an early childhood education teacher and I taught about space, how you relate in space and even in actual confined spaces in rooms and areas [similar to a spacecraft]. I am a fast learner as well. I can easily learn a foreign language. I learnt how to speak basic Korean just by watching Korean films or shows. I am sure learning Russian won’t be a problem.”
Interesting facts about the UAE Astronaut Programme
Praying for Muslims: Since the ISS is constantly moving and there are 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets, a manual has been prepared for Muslims on the ISS that covers all aspects including doing ablution without water, how to pray towards Makkah, and how to fast during Ramadan.
Language: Aside from the English language, all astronauts who wish to stay on the ISS need to learn basic Russian language as they will be sent off through Soyuz, a Russian spacecraft, with a Russian pilot. They will also need to read Russian as some instructions or manuals on the ISS are in Russian.
Trip to the ISS: In the past, it took 2 to 3 days to reach the ISS. This has been significantly cut down to 6 hours since 2014. The latest Soyuz spacecraft has a habitable volume of 8.5 cubic metres.
Working hours: This is managed from the ground. All astronauts have scheduled activities throughout the day, including two hours of exercise. They usually work from 8am to 9.30pm and have a more relaxed schedule on weekends. They can communicate with their families once a week.
Salary: Undisclosed. But since this is a high-risk job, the salary is commensurate to the risks involved.
Who may apply?
Nationality: Emirati
Minimum Age: 18+
Language: Proficiency in Arabic and English
Education: University Graduate (Bachelor’s or higher)
