Dubai, UAE – 20 January 2020:  Given the huge turnout for registration in the 2nd batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) extended the deadline for application submission until March 31st. The extension aims to provide Emiratis aspiring to engage in scientific exploration and manned space missions the opportunity to enroll in the programme.

Since announcing it last December, registration for the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme had a huge interest from male and female Emiratis of all ages, specialties and sectors, thanks to the great impact of “Zayed Ambition” mission, the first Emirati manned space mission, by Hazzaa AlMansoori to the International Space Station. 

MBRSC pointed that applicants to the 2nd batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme should be UAE nationals above 18 years old, have proficiency in Arabic and English, and be university graduates (Bachelor’s or Higher degrees). All professions will be considered, from engineers to pilots, military personnel to teachers, those involved in STEM and other professions.

HE Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director General of MBRSC, said: “The great interest in joining the second batch of the programme reflects the ambition of the UAE citizens, and their keenness to achieve UAE's goals in the field of space exploration and realize more milestones in space science and research.” 

“We are moving forward to attract Emirati talents who are able to leave a clear global impact in the field of space exploration, to provide new scientific answers to humanity, and make a clear mark on the path to improving life on Earth. ‘2020: Towards the next 50’ will mark a new milestone for the national space sector, starting with opening registration for the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme, to be followed later in July with launching the Hope Probe to Mars, then hosting the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) for the first time in the MENA region. The achievements will continue during the next fifty years to shape the future of the space sector in the region,” added AlShaibani.

Engineer Salem Humaid AlMarri, Head of the UAE Astronaut Programme, said: “Extending the deadline comes as a result of the remarkable and significant turnout since opening registration last December, and emanates from our keenness to encourage more UAE nationals from various professions and age groups to register and engage in more achievements and Emirati manned space flights.”

He added: “After closing the registration for the second batch of the programme on March 31st, we will start screening and evaluating applications, which will be followed with personal interviews with a committee consisting of ten specialists, including astronauts Hazzaa AlMansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi.”

Moreover, he noted that: “AlMansoori and AlNeyadi will lead an introductory tour in the UAE and GCC countries, to shed light on the first Emirati manned space flight, and the UAE Astronaut Programme, as well as to highlight the future challenges and aspirations, to motivate future generations to pursue various space sciences and specialisations.”

In conclusion, AlMarri called UAE male and female nationals to register in the programme to be part of a new Emirati achievement and help sustain this vital sector.