First look at Sultan Al Neyadi ready for lift-off

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre shared the first pictures of the Crew-6 team in their official astronaut suits, as they prepare to head into space for a six month long mission.

The UAE got their first look at Emirati Astronaut, Sultan Al Neyadi, in his official suit for the mission, along with crew members; Mission Commander Stephen Bowen (NASA), Convoy Captain and Pilot Warren Huberg (NASA) and Mission Specialist Andrei Vidyev (Roscosmos). 

Latest photos of Crew-6 featuring Astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi, Mission Specialist, Primary Crew, Crew-6.#UAEAstronautProgramme pic.twitter.com/LqglBTtFf9

— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) February 4, 2023

The six-member team are scheduled for lift off on February 26 at 11:07 AM UAE time, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in the United States. 

AlNeyadi is set to launch on 26 February to carry out the first Arab long-duration astronaut mission - a 6-month mission aboard the International Space Station.#UAEAstronautProgramme pic.twitter.com/xH8CI5CAnQ

— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) February 4, 2023

This will be the first Arab long-duration astronaut mission aboard the International Space Station. 

It follows the launch on September 25th 2019, when Hazza Al Mansouri became the UAE’s first astronaut in space, where he stayed aboard the International Space Station for eight days. 

Interview with Salem Al Marri, Director General of @MBRSpaceCentre, regarding the first long-duration Arab astronaut mission. pic.twitter.com/4gMm1PFkjU

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 3, 2023

Four astronauts currently represent the UAE, Hazza Al Mansouri, Sultan Al Neyadi, Mohammed Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Arab woman to be selected as an Astronaut.