Astronaut Hazzaa's space trip inspires UAE students

Dubai - With feet firmly planted on the ground, there is a push to look for knowledge outside the Earth.

 Inspired by the UAE Space Mission and Hazzaa AlMansoori, the country's first astronaut, more students are now looking up to the stars to build their dreams and chart their future careers.
With feet firmly planted on the ground, there is a push to look for knowledge outside the Earth. They are now more keen in studying celestial objects and their phenomena.
Mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology have become their favourite subjects and they have dedicated more of their time to trawl the internet and gain more knowledge about the stars, galaxies, exoplanets, comets, cosmic microwave, and the like.
One of them is Abedalrahman Mahmoud Khaled Shehabi, a 13-year-old Jordanian Grade 8 student at Gems First Point School in Dubai. He will be joining a group of students who will attend a science camp at Nasa Marshall Space Flight Centre in Hunstville, Alabama, USA in February next year.
"I have been closely following updates on Hazzaa's space journey preparations. He has inspired me to learn more about space science. I've been studying the laws of physics and chemistry to know more about the stars, planets and other objects in the universe," he told Khaleej Times.
"In fact, I dream of becoming the first Jordanian astronaut," added Abedalrahman, who plans of studying biochemistry or physics in college.
Pakistani brothers Irtiza Abbas, 12, and Mujtaba Abbas, 10, also dream of becoming their country's first space travellers. "Hazzaa's space mission is a big inspiration not just for young Emiratis but for everyone living in the country. Hazzaa has inspired us to 'reach for the stars," said the siblings, who added that they watched as Hazzaa soared into space on Wednesday.
The brothers also said that they understand what it takes to become the next Hazzaa - which means many years of preparation and serious academic study. "That is why we want to equip ourselves, at a young age, with all the knowledge we can learn about space science."
As determined as they are, they have in fact launched model rockets they created during a science camp early this year. At SARAUAE (Space and Rocketry Academy UAE) science camp, organised by Compass International and supported by the UAE Space Agency, they learned the basics of designing, analysing, building and flying rockets.
American student Linnea Crouch, 13, a Year 7 student at the Sharjah English School, also participated in the same science camp. Her father, Steve Crouch, had observed that Linnea's interest in space has started to become a serious interest. "Whenever she looks up to the sky and see the stars, she would be curious about life outside our planet," Steve noted.
For her part, Linnea said: "I am interested in knowing about the world beyond this planet. I hope Hazzaa will have a great experience in outer space. I will waive to him up there and maybe join him when I'm a bit older."
Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem Education, added: "Hazzaa has not only brought incredible inspiration to our students but also the nation. We wish him a safe and successful voyage. On his return, we hope he will visit our schools to tell his story as he is guaranteed an enthralled and captive audience."
angel@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE