In an exhilarating turn of events, Sultan AlNeyadi, Emirati space envoy, is set to touch UAE soil next week. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) broke the news on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) that September 18 will mark AlNeyadi’s grand return.
His venture above the clouds, a commendable six-month stint aboard the International Space Station (ISS), concluded on September 4. AlNeyadi, together with the Crew-6 team, landed off Jacksonville, Florida’s coast, from where they headed to Houston for a much-needed recuperation.
A wave of anticipation sweeps the UAE. As AlNeyadi readies to step back on home turf after the longest Arab space odyssey, the entire nation is on pins and needles, eager to absorb his space tales and discoveries.
Though the specifics of his return remain under wraps, one thing is certain: a grand celebration awaits this trailblazing astronaut, notably the first Arab to take a spacewalk.
Two years ago, when Hazza Al Mansoori – UAE’s inaugural astronaut – came home, he was met with exuberant dances, musical fanfare, and the UAE’s skies painted in national colors. Similar festivities are anticipated for AlNeyadi, particularly at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Presidential Terminal. A cherished memory from 2019 was the heartwarming sight of AlMansoori and AlNeyadi walking under their very own “Welcome home, pride of the nation” signpost.
High-ranking officials, including His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan – the UAE President, then Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince – had personally welcomed the astronauts. This time, AlNeyadi’s friends, family, and fans, especially enthusiastic school children waving the UAE flag, are all set to mirror that jubilation.
AlNeyadi’s schedule is bound to be jam-packed post-return. From heartwarming family reunions to country-wide tours, he’s poised to share invaluable tidbits on space living and pivotal microgravity experiments that could redefine our understanding of life beyond Earth. An intriguing snippet he shared was the initial struggle of readjusting to Earth’s gravity. So overwhelming it was, even gripping a water bottle posed a challenge. But, with robust support systems in place, AlNeyadi’s bounce back was swift.
Lastly, AlNeyadi’s return isn’t just about celebrating the past. It’s a nod to the UAE’s unwavering commitment to cosmic exploration. His voyage is part of the bigger UAE Astronaut Programme narrative, and with Emirati astronauts like Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla gearing up for their space endeavors in 2024, the saga of Emirati space conquest is far from over.
