First Emirati Astronaut Al Mansoori Reflects on Life in Orbit
Hazzaa Al Mansoori, the UAE’s first astronaut, has returned from his historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS), and he’s sharing his remarkable experiences with the world. As the first Emirati to venture into space, Al Mansoori’s journey has not only inspired a new generation of space enthusiasts in the UAE but also shed light on the wonders of life in orbit.
During his 8-day stay on the ISS, Al Mansoori witnessed 16 sunrises a day, a phenomenon that he described as “unbelievable.” The weightlessness, he said, was an adjustment at first, but he quickly got used to it. “It’s like being in a dream,” he explained. “You can float around and do things that you can’t do on Earth.”
One of the most striking aspects of life on the ISS, according to Al Mansoori, is the incredible beauty of Earth from orbit. “Looking at our planet from up there, it’s like seeing it for the first time,” he said. “You realize how small we are and how beautiful our world is.” He described the experience as “surreal” and “humbling,” adding that it’s a feeling he will never forget.
Aboard the ISS, Al Mansoori had a chance to learn about the recycling systems that are crucial to sustaining life in space. “It’s amazing how much we recycle on the ISS,” he said. “From water to air, everything is recycled to minimize waste and conserve resources.” He praised the ingenuity and innovation that goes into designing and maintaining these systems, which are essential for the survival of the astronauts and the station itself.
Al Mansoori also had the opportunity to work alongside Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who was part of the same expedition. He praised Shukla’s professionalism and teamwork, saying that they worked together seamlessly to complete their tasks. “It’s amazing to see how people from different countries and cultures can come together and work towards a common goal,” he said.
The experience of living and working in space has also given Al Mansoori a new perspective on global cooperation. “Space is a universal language,” he said. “When you’re in space, you realize that we’re all in this together. We’re all human beings, and we all share the same planet.” He emphasized the importance of international collaboration in space exploration, citing the success of the ISS as an example of what can be achieved when nations work together.
As Al Mansoori reflects on his incredible journey, he is also looking ahead to the future of space exploration in the UAE. “The UAE has a lot to offer in space exploration,” he said. “We have a young and ambitious population, and we’re investing heavily in STEM education and research.” He believes that the country has the potential to become a major player in the space industry, and he’s excited to be a part of it.
Al Mansoori’s journey has not only inspired a new generation of Emiratis to pursue careers in space exploration but also raised awareness about the importance of STEM education and research. His experiences in space have given him a unique perspective on the world and its challenges, and he’s using his platform to promote global cooperation and understanding.
As the UAE continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, Al Mansoori’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire many more individuals to pursue careers in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.
