Emirati astronaut Hazzaa Al Mansoori marks new milestone for Arabs in space

DUBAI: The historic 69th expedition mission officially begins, including UAE’s Hazzaa Al Mansoori, who will serve as the first Arab increment leader for an International Space Station (ISS) expedition and the first person to embark on long-duration space exploration Mission of Arab astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi – duration of space flight.

The move follows the undocking of the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft on March 28.

As leader, Al Mansoori will guide the ISS crew through all aspects of their mission, emphasizing the UAE’s contribution to the expanding field of space exploration.

The Expedition 69 crew, led by Emirati astronaut Al Neyadi, will conduct several experiments during the mission, including studying the effects of microgravity on the burning of materials to improve spacecraft safety, testing a new deep space immune monitoring tool and advancing research Assessment of Human Heart Function in Microgravity on 3D Cultured Myocardial Tissue. In addition, Al Neyadi will test microbial samples from outside the space station.

As Increment Leader, Al Mansoori has the key responsibility for seamlessly integrating and executing ISS crew activities throughout Expedition 69. This involves a range of responsibilities such as developing, managing, implementing and communicating task integration procedures. With his skills and expertise, Al Mansoori will act as the main point of contact between the ground team and the ISS crew during live operations, ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the mission.

Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of MBRSC, said: “The Expedition 69 mission is a huge achievement for the UAE and the entire Arab region. It represents the longest Arab space mission to date and marks the first time an Arab astronaut has been appointed to the Expedition. Hazzaa Al Mansoori’s appointment is a testament to his extraordinary skills and knowledge and sets the stage for more Arab astronauts to participate in space exploration. We are delighted to see Sultan and Hazzaa collaborate on groundbreaking experiments that will broaden our knowledge of space and our understanding of life in microgravity.”

Al Mansoori said: “It is my privilege to facilitate the seamless exchange of information between the Astronaut Office and the ISS expedition team. However, my role goes beyond simply transmitting data. It includes understanding and appreciating the role of our crew in space.” Challenges and triumphs. Our goal is to advance human space exploration through our collective efforts in support of Expedition 69.”

Al Neyadi has begun experiments using the biomanufacturing facility to evaluate its ability to produce knee cartilage tissue to treat injuries in space and in remote locations on Earth. He also had neck, shoulder and leg vein scans using the Ultrasound 2 medical device.

Other scheduled experiments aboard the ISS include:

• SoFIE-MIST: The Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinguishment – Materials Ignition and Inhibition Test (SoFIE-MIST) study investigates the flammability of materials that could be used in future space missions.

• Immunoassay study: This study aims to develop a practical tool for direct monitoring of the immune system on the International Space Station and on Earth.

• Engineered Heart Tissues-2: This study is designed to evaluate whether new treatments can help prevent heart attacks.

• External Microbial Research: Scientists intend to identify microbes that may be carried with the crew during deep space exploration. This knowledge will help researchers identify pollutants that may have been brought in, as well as those native to other planetary bodies.

Expedition 69 members aboard the International Space Station include astronauts Sultan AlNeyadi, Stephen Bowen, Woody Hoburg, Frank Rubio, Dmitri Petelin, Sergey Prokopyev and Andrey Fedyaev. Completion of the six-month mission will make a substantial contribution to the UAE’s space knowledge and lay the groundwork for future human space exploration.