Sheikh Hamdan announces space ventures in 2024; mission to include UAE’s first female astronaut

Image credit: WAM

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced that a new space mission will take place in 2024.

The news was released on his social media account on X, previously known as Twitter, as well.

The space mission will see two astronauts from the UAE head to space next year.

Along with the news of sending Emirati astronauts into space, Sheikh Hamdan shared updates on the launch of a satellite and a Moon exploration project.

“The next phase of our journey will see groundbreaking Emirati space ventures… Next year, we will launch MBZ-Sat, the Arab world’s most advanced satellite to date. The Rashid Rover 2 project will continue on, as our determination to explore the Moon remains.”

“By 2024, Mohammed Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi will embark on trailblazing space missions,” Sheikh Hamdan posted on his account on X (formerly Twitter).

I chaired a board meeting of the @MBRSpaceCentre and laid out the blueprint for new ambitious initiatives.

The next phase of our journey will see groundbreaking Emirati space ventures.

We aim to be a major player in shaping the future of space exploration.

We seek to raise the… pic.twitter.com/BcZGofmOMS

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) October 2, 2023

UAE’s space ambitions

Sheikh Hamdan said the MBRSC is working towards accomplishing the UAE’s dreams of conquering space while helping raise the Arab region’s profile as a significant leader in the global industry.

“In the next phase of our journey, we are set to implement exceptional projects that will open new horizons for space exploration.

The UAE’s rapidly advancing space sector is poised to evolve into a significant global contributor in the field, drawing from the rich expertise, knowledge and strategic partnerships we have acquired through unique initiatives and missions,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

Also read: UAE celebrates homecoming of Sultan AlNeyadi

In other news, two Saudi astronauts made history as they embarked on a private mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in the early hours of May 22. Rayyanah Barnawi, a breast cancer researcher and the first female Arab astronaut, along with Saudi fighter pilot Ali al-Qarni, are headed to the ISS for a 10-day mission.