As Sultan AlNeyadi reaches the halfway mark of his historic space mission, several remarkable moments have left a lasting impact on the world. Here are seven key milestones that have defined his journey:
- Iconic Spacewalk: AlNeyadi’s awe-inspiring spacewalk, lasting over 7 hours, became the standout moment of his stay at the International Space Station (ISS). As the first Arab to perform a spacewalk, he joined Nasa Flight Engineer Stephen Bowen in accomplishing crucial tasks.
- Tomato Harvesting: AlNeyadi initiated his research mission by harvesting tomatoes grown aboard the ISS. These tomatoes serve as both nourishment for astronauts and subjects of a study on sustainable food production in space. The endeavour aims to enhance future long-duration missions by providing fresh, homegrown food.
- Bio-Monitor Smart Shirt: AlNeyadi showcased a black, sleeveless Bio-Monitor smart shirt, equipped with the Canadian Space Agency logo. He highlighted how this innovative garment tracks vital health statistics through his tweet, offering insights into the human body’s response to microgravity. This technology holds immense potential for remote healthcare.
- Jiu Jitsu in Space: AlNeyadi captivated the world by practising Jiu Jitsu, a martial art, in the unique environment of space. Demonstrating discipline, focus, and adaptability, he showcased how the skills acquired through Jiu Jitsu contributed to his preparation for the mission and his daily life in microgravity.
- Gravity-Defying Birthday: Celebrating his 42nd birthday onboard the ISS, AlNeyadi experienced a truly extraordinary celebration. He expressed gratitude for his colleagues who had become like family and shared delightful gifts, including a maple muffin top cake from the US crew and a cinnamon bun with yoghurt and dry fruits from the Russian crew.
- Inspiring Communications: AlNeyadi engaged in four “A Call from Space” events and three ham radio sessions with students in the UAE, fostering educational connections. During one of these calls, Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, conveyed greetings from the UAE leadership and expressed pride in AlNeyadi’s achievements.
- UAE Honey in Space: On World Bee Day, AlNeyadi took to Twitter, highlighting the vital role of bees as unsung heroes of the world. In a captivating one-minute video, he demonstrated squeezing honey from a bottle in zero gravity. The honey featured in the clip originated from a local farm in Al Khawaneej, Dubai, and made its way to the space laboratory, symbolizing the UAE’s contributions to space exploration.
These significant moments reflect the extraordinary achievements, scientific advancements, and global inspiration generated by Sultan AlNeyadi’s groundbreaking space mission.