Hazzaa Al Mansoori is “living the impossible” and about to make history as the first Emirati to enter space. The former pilot is preparing for a mission this week to the International Space Station (ISS) after being chosen from thousands of applicants.
There are currently only two other people from Arab countries that have been to space, both of these took place in 1980. The UAE’s space sector is being appraised for the trip as a positive direction. There are many more plans underway such as an unmanned mission to the red planet Mars. It is estimated to touch base in 2021 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the state.
Hazzaa has decided to take a family photo and a UAE flag to the ISS, as well as a photograph of the meeting between Sheikh Zayed and the Apollo astronauts as it inspires him to pursue and continue on living his dream. The former pilot is also believed to be taking seeds and a copy of Sheikh Mohammed’s book, My Story.
Hazzaa said the mission was a “huge responsibility” but that by taking the UAE’s first trip to space he hoped to inspire the next generation of explorers.
