Emirati Astronauts Could Be Part of Moon Landing Mission, Reveals NASA Astronaut

The Sharjah International Book Fair witnessed a panel discussion featuring NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Hazzaa AlMansoori, the first Emirati astronaut. During the discussion, details about the upcoming Artemis mission were disclosed, shedding light on the UAE’s role in lunar exploration. The UAE Space Agency’s collaboration with NASA, established in 2020, positions the country to participate in the Artemis missions, with Artemis III expected to include the first woman stepping on the Moon. Emirati astronauts Mohammad AlMulla and Nora AlMatrooshi are currently undergoing intensive training with NASA for future missions. Williams highlighted the importance of the Moon as a stepping stone for human exploration, emphasizing the need for sustainable living on the Moon before planning missions to Mars. The discussion also touched on the challenges astronauts face upon returning to Earth and the rigorous training required for space missions.