The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi will return from the International Space Station (ISS) on September 3.
Accompanied by NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren Hoburg, as well as Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, Al Neyadi is set to depart the ISS aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft Endeavour on September 2. The team will splashdown off the coast of Tampa, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico the next day..
Prior to initiating the deorbit sequence, stringent checks will be performed, especially pertaining to forecasted weather conditions and recovery readiness at the designated splashdown location.
Launched on March 2, the landmark Arab space mission was carried out via the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft.
Over the mission's duration, Al Neyadi participated in over 200 experiments, collaborating with UAE and global universities as well as international space agencies.
The studies encompassed diverse fields such as plant genetics, human life sciences, exploration technology, material science, fluid dynamics, protein crystallization growth, and advanced exploration technologies. These experiments have not only supported researchers and students worldwide but have also engaged the UAE scientific community in the mission.
Al Neyadi achieved a series of significant milestones during this mission, including becoming the first Arab astronaut to complete a spacewalk, which was accomplished alongside fellow crewmate NASA astronaut Bowen.
In addition to his scientific achievements, Al Neyadi interacted with over 10,000 individuals from various backgrounds through 19 educational and community outreach events named the A Call from Space series.
These involved live video calls and ham radio sessions, creating a unique opportunity for people to engage directly with the Emirati astronaut.
On 2 September, the Dragon spacecraft will undock from the ISS, carrying aboard astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi and his Crew-6 crewmates. The arrival is scheduled for 3 September.#SafeReturnSultan#ZayedAmbition pic.twitter.com/gmmAeq0znn
— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) August 29, 2023