Hazzaa Al Mansoori: First Emirati Astronaut in Space

Hazzaa Al Mansoori: The First Emirati Astronaut

Realizing Zayed's Ambition: The UAE's Historic Journey to the ISS

Zayed's Ambition: A Vision Takes Flight

Launched in 2017 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Astronaut Programme was designed to train Emiratis for scientific space exploration. It fulfilled the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed, aiming to make the UAE a key player in the global space sector.

The Selection: 1 in 4,022

From over 4,000 hopefuls, Hazzaa Al Mansoori was selected after passing rigorous physical, psychological, and medical tests, proving elite capability.

The Pilot: Major Hazzaa Al Mansoori

Former youngest F-16 pilot in the UAE Air Force.

14 years of military aviation experience.

Graduate of Khalifa bin Zayed Air College (Aviation Science).

Training for the Impossible

Training took place primarily at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. Hazzaa mastered the Soyuz systems, endured high G-force centrifuge runs, and completed survival training in harsh winter conditions.

September 25, 2019

Lift Off: Soyuz MS-15

Launch Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan | Crew: Hazzaa Al Mansoori, Oleg Skripochka (Russia), Jessica Meir (USA).

Science in Space: Mission Statistics

During his 8-day mission, Hazzaa focused intensely on scientific research, conducting over 30 experiments tailored to the UAE's needs.

Experiments & Activities

Fluid Dynamics: Studied how liquids behave in zero-gravity to improve fuel systems.

Time Perception: Measured how time is perceived differently in space.

Video Earth: Documented the UAE and Arabian Peninsula from orbit.

A Cultural Ambassador in Orbit

Hazzaa hosted the first-ever tour of the ISS in Arabic. He also shared Emirati culture with the international crew by hosting a 'traditional night' featuring halal space food like balaleet, salona, and madrooba.

The Return to Earth

October 3, 2019 | Total Flight Time: 7 Days, 21 Hours, 1 Minute

Hazzaa returned safely aboard Soyuz MS-12, landing in the steppes of Kazakhstan. His safe return marked the successful completion of the 'Zayed's Ambition' mission.

Legacy & Future

Hazzaa Al Mansoori's mission was just the beginning. It paved the way for Sultan Al Neyadi's long-duration mission in 2023 and solidified the UAE's partnerships with NASA, Roscosmos, and ESA.