“I am ready for the next mission,” declared UAE astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi during his meeting with a top official following his six-month stint on the International Space Station. After a 17-hour journey back to Earth, AlNeyadi is presently undergoing medical assessment in the US.
Salem AlMarri, Director-General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), confirmed meeting with AlNeyadi and remarked on his “great health.” AlNeyadi’s rapid preparedness for another mission, just days after his return, captures the heart of the UAE Astronaut Programme, according to AlMarri.
“I am very excited for what’s next. Stay tuned,” the official shared on the microblogging platform X. AlNeyadi expressed gratitude and anticipation in his first post-return message, stating, “I write to you with gravity under my feet and warmth in my heart from all the love and support you all have shared… Friends, I’m in good health and looking forward to meeting you all very soon.”
AlNeyadi, who had just completed the longest Arab space mission, landed off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, at 8:17 a.m. (UAE time) on September 4. On board the recovery ship, he was greeted cordially by Hazzaa AlMansoori, the first UAE astronaut, Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Flight Surgeon for Al Neyadi, and Saeed AlEmadi from MBRSC’s Strategic Communication Department. A specialised medical team swiftly checked his condition on-site before transporting him to a health camp for more testing.
The 42-year-old astronaut is expected to return to the UAE in a couple of weeks.
