DUBAI 28 September 2019: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of theUAE and Ruler of Dubai, called UAE’s first astronaut, Hazza Al Mansoori on Friday.
Al Mansoori also held a question and answer session with UAE nationals on the second day of his stay onboard the International Space Station.
Speaking from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Sheikh Mohammed described Al Mansoori’s launch to the ISS as “only a first bold step into space for UAE”.
“You’re a source of pride for all Emiratis. You’re the first (Emirati to launch into space) and the first is always remembered. However, I can proudly assure you that a generation of young Emiratis will follow in your footsteps and become space scientists and technology pioneers,” Sheikh Mohamed told Al Mansoori, said Wam.
Sheikh Mohammed expressed profound pride of this milestone, which, he said, “translates late Sheikh Zayed’s dream into reality.”
“Sheikh Zayed always dreamt of launching from desert into space. He was always bent on inviting scientists and space experts to visit the UAE for discussions and knowledge sharing about latest space finds and breakthroughs,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
‘What sets the UAE apart is our determination to turn dreams into achievements. The impossible is nothing for us; it’s just a word thrown around by small men,” Sheikh Mohamed asserted.
Next Mars
” All are dreaming. But we work hard to make our dreams come true. Our next station is Mars through the Hope Probe. I and my brother Mohamed bin Zayed believe in our ability to achieve this. Some around us think it’s impossible. But the impossible is just a word thrown around by the weak.”
Al Mansoori assured Sheikh Mohammed on the progress of his experiments onboard the ISS, saying all is going well as per schedule. He reviewed part of the experiments he has been working on since his arrival early Thursday till the moment.
Sheikh Mohammed asked Hazza about his feeling when the rocket was carrying him to space.
“It was indescribable. I was so proud. Thanks to Allah and thank you Sheikh Mohammed, we have achieved Sheikh Zayed’s dream,” Hazza replied, conveying his sincere thanks and feeling of gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for the great support he’s been receiving from the UAE leadership who, he said, is a role model for providing youth will all potential and tools to lead and pioneer in various fields.
Al Mansoori expressed pride of being the first Arab speaking to the world in Arabic onboard the ISS, voicing hope the experiments he and his crew are conducting would prove useful to humanity at large.
