Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi has successfully completed his groundbreaking six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and has returned to Earth. Al Neyadi, along with three fellow astronauts, splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, at 8:17 am UAE time on Monday, inside a SpaceX Dragon capsule.
This mission was the UAE’s second human space flight and the Arab world’s first extended mission. Notably, Al Neyadi became the first Arab astronaut to perform a spacewalk. The crew, known as Crew-6, safely completed important research during their 186 days aboard the ISS.
Nasa took to social media to announce the successful return, stating, “Welcome home! Crew-6 splashed down safely in the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, at 12:17 am ET after 186 days aboard the ISS, completing important research.”
President Sheikh Mohamed expressed his congratulations to Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi on his safe return, acknowledging the historic achievement made by the Emirati astronaut and the national work teams. He praised their contribution to the advancement of science and humanity, emphasizing the UAE’s continuous ambitions in space exploration.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also commended Al Neyadi’s accomplishments, stating that they have inspired millions of Arab youth. He congratulated the people of the Emirates and all Arab youth on the safe return of the first Arab astronaut to undertake a long mission to the International Space Station.
Following splashdown, a SpaceX recovery team arrived at the site to ensure the capsule’s safety before transporting it to a recovery ship. Once secured, the astronauts were assisted in exiting the capsule and placed on a gurney-type transport. Al Neyadi was seen smiling and waving to the camera as he left the capsule.
Although Al Neyadi’s space mission has concluded, his work is not yet finished. He will collaborate with researchers to finalize the science investigations he participated in and report on his findings. Additionally, he will undergo medical tests to assess the impact of microgravity on his mental and physical health. Al Neyadi will also participate in a recovery program to readjust to gravity after spending an extended period in space.
The UAE’s astronaut corps includes Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati in space, as well as Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla. The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, which oversees the country’s astronaut program, aims to send astronauts to space every two to three years. Al Matrooshi and Al Mulla are currently undergoing training at Nasa’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston and will become eligible for Nasa-led missions upon completion.
Looking ahead, the UAE has set its sights on lunar exploration and aspires to send astronauts to the Moon in the future.