Sheikh Mohammed, citizens interact with UAE astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori from ISS

Dubai - Hazzaa interacted with UAE leaders and citizens.

While twirling his microphone to display the effects of microgravity, UAE's first astronaut in space told a captivated audience from across the Arab world, 'Nothing compares to how beautiful the UAE looks from space.'

UAE's first Emirati to space Hazzaa AlMansoori participated in a live question and answers session from the International Space Centre (ISS) on Friday, September 27 to a packed hall at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

In a session that lasted approximately 25 minutes, school students, staff from MBRSC, and registered guests got the once in a lifetime opportunity to witness UAE's first astronaut answer questions posed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai and a few students.

In-conversation with Sheikh Mohammed

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed told AlMansoori, "This is a testament to how far we've come, from the desert to space. We have reached the stars, and you are the first, we will always remember the first. However, we will have many more Emirati astronauts who will go through the same process that you have gone through." Sheikh Mohammed also said the UAE has achieved what many considered impossible.

In response, AlMansoori said, "May God be with you all. You always encourage us to be the first. Thank you for this opportunity you have given the Emirati youth. We have learned from you that UAE is a land of opportunities to all those who work hard." After which, Sheikh Mohammed asked, "What was your feeling when the rocket was carrying you to space?"
To which AlMansoori replied, "There was so much pressure when the rocket was flying into space. When we reached the outer atmosphere, it was indescribable. The best feeling was when I saw the Earth from space."

He added, "What is truly incredible is the feeling of no gravity. It is an unbelievable feeling; I cannot describe it. The world was watching us, thanks to Allah, and thanks to you, Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, we have achieved Sheikh Zayed's dream."

Sheikh Mohammed promised that Emiratis would soon reach Mars as well. He asked Al Mansour about the status of the mission's programme, who which Hazzaa replied, "Everything is going as planned, and I will conduct many experiments in the coming days." Sheikh Mohammed ended the conversation by saying, "We are proud of you."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

 

 

 

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• UAE
• Dubai

Dhanusha Gokulan

• dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com