During Expedition 69, scheduled for April 28, Sultan AlNeyadi is set to become the first Arab astronaut to conduct a spacewalk on the International Space Station (ISS). The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced that Sultan AlNeyadi will participate in the 262nd spacewalk on the ISS, making the United Arab Emirates the tenth nation to perform a spacewalk on the station.
Selection for astronauts to conduct spacewalks is a rigorous process, based on their skills, experience, and adaptability to the challenges of space. They must demonstrate exceptional proficiency in various fields, including engineering, robotics, and life support systems. Spacewalks, or Extravehicular Activities (EVAs), on the ISS are essential for maintaining, upgrading, and expanding the capabilities of the space station.
Spacewalks allow astronauts to perform a range of tasks, including installing new technology and hardware, assembling and constructing ISS modules, and repairing critical systems. They symbolize international cooperation as astronauts from different nations collaborate on these missions, promoting the sharing of information and resources.
Spacewalks are physically and mentally demanding, requiring astronauts to work in pressurized spacesuits and maintain their focus on the tasks at hand while ensuring their safety. In preparation for the spacewalk, AlNeyadi trained for more than 55 hours at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, which is located at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He underwent nine six-hour training sessions using a full ISS mockup for underwater spacewalk simulations.
The upcoming spacewalk, which will be the fifth for Expedition 69 and the third for this year, is significant. It is expected to last approximately 6.5 hours and will involve retrieving a crucial Radio Frequency Group (RFG) unit, an essential component of the ISS’s S-Band communications system. This piece of communications equipment will be returned to Earth on a SpaceX flight.
In addition to the primary task, AlNeyadi and his team will work on preparatory tasks for upcoming EVAs for solar array installations later in the mission. Solar arrays power the ISS, providing clean and renewable energy for experiments, systems, and daily operations.
The historic spacewalk by Sultan AlNeyadi reflects the UAE’s commitment to advancing space exploration and international cooperation. It signifies the country’s dedication to pioneering space exploration and contributing to the global space community.
Salem Humaid AlMarri, Chief General of MBRSC, highlighted the importance of this achievement for the UAE and the region, emphasizing international collaboration and scientific advancements taking place during the longest Arab space mission in history.
AlNeyadi and his Crew-6 team launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and have spent a month in space. Their mission on the ISS has included a variety of activities, from human research experiments to space physics studies, cargo work, and community outreach programs.
This initiative is part of the UAE’s National Space Program, managed by MBRSC, and is supported by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA)’s ICT Fund to encourage global integration and support research and development in the ICT sector.
