‘From Earth to Space and back’: Sultan AlNeyadi in good health after splashdown

Image credit: Sultan AlNeyadi/Twitter

UAE astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi is in “good health” after landing on Earth on September 4. The update was published by the astronaut on his social media account on Twitter.

AlNeyadi splashed down on Earth along with his Crew-6 team members after completing his six-month long mission aboard the International Space Station. AlNeyadi has scripted history by becoming the first Arab astronaut to complete such a long space mission.

AlNeyadi’s splashdown and subsequent exit from the SpaceX Dragon capsule was captured live. He had sent a thumbs-up sign to everyone back home but has written about being back on Earth for the first time.

He wrote, “From Earth to space and back! I write to you with gravity under my feet and warmth in my heart from all the love and support you all have shared.”

From Earth to Space & back! ?
I write to you with gravity under my feet and warmth in my heart from all the love and support you all have shared..thank you all for being part of this journey with me.
Friends, I’m in good health and looking forward to meeting you all very soon ? pic.twitter.com/rT7Hi8qdcV

— Sultan AlNeyadi (@Astro_Alneyadi) September 6, 2023

Sultan AlNeyadi back on Earth

The Emirati astronaut is currently being acclimatised to being in an atmosphere with gravity. He is scheduled to participate in a mandatory recovery programme that would help him get used to gravity again. Spending long periods of time in space can cause bone density and muscle loss, so astronauts are required to exercise at least two hours daily while in orbit.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed congratulated Dr Al Neyadi on his return to Earth. “Sultan Al Neyadi, the people of the UAE are immensely proud of you and the entire team for achieving major advances in space exploration.”

@Astro_AlNeyadi, the people of the UAE are immensely proud of you and the entire team for achieving major advances in space exploration. You carried the dreams of a nation to new frontiers, and we celebrate your pioneering journey and safe return.

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 4, 2023

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre is yet to announce the dates of AlNeyadi’s return to the UAE.