What are the main components of the UAE’s long-duration astronaut mission?
On April 22, 2021, Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati astronaut to travel to space, commemorated the start of the holy month of Ramadan aboard the International Space Station (ISS), making history.
The significance of Ramadan in Islam
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is observed by Muslims worldwide as a time for prayer, fasting, reflection, and charitable acts. During this month, Muslims abstain from food, drinks, and other physical needs from sunrise to sunset.
Hazza Al Mansouri’s mission
Hazza Al Mansouri was launched aboard the Soyuz MS-15 spacecraft on September 18, 2019, and he spent eight days on the ISS conducting scientific experiments and spreading the message of the UAE’s space program.
Now, Hazza Al Mansouri is on a long-duration mission on the ISS, and he marked the beginning of Ramadan in space on April 22, 2021, where he will continue fasting for the 30-day period. He also reached out to Muslims around the world, wishing them a blessed Ramadan.
The achievements of the UAE’s space program
The UAE’s space program has been making significant strides since its inception in 2014. One of the major highlights of the program was the launch of the Hope Probe, the first Arab mission to Mars, in July 2020. The successful mission has put the UAE on the map as a key player in space exploration.
The UAE also aims to build a colony on Mars by the year 2117, making it one of the most ambitious space programs in the world.
Conclusion
Hazza Al Mansouri’s historic mission to space has emphasized the UAE’s commitment to the global space community. His celebration of Ramadan in space highlights the significance of this holy month to Muslims everywhere, and his message of hope and unity serves as an inspiration to all.
References
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/science/ramadan-in-space-first-uae-astronaut-hazza-al-mansouri-marks-holy-month-on-iss-1.1218233
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ramadan-2021/ramadan-2021-in-space:-hazza-al-mansouri-mark-kickstarts-the-holy-month-on-iss
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/science/how-uae-s-space-program-has-evolved-since-its-launch-in-2014-1.1162696