Emirati astronaut Al Mansoori completes final tests

Saturday, 31 August 2019 14:25

Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansoori has completed a mock mission ahead of his historic eight-day space expedition next month.

The main and backup crews for the September 25 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) completed their final tests on Saturday.

It marks the end of the mandatory two-day exam for astronauts and cosmonauts at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in the Star City, near Moscow.

The main crew underwent a final exam on the Soyuz flight while the backup crew were evaluated on the Russian segment of the ISS.

Mansoori was joined by back-up astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, and his crewmates - Nasa astronaut Jessica Meir and Russian commander Oleg Skripochka.

The Soyuz MS-15 spacecraft is set to blast off to the International Space Station (ISS) on September 25 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

More from Local News

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed reviews Dubai Police projects worth AED 2 billion

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE has reviewed Dubai Police's latest development plans and projects worth AED 2 billion.
Training aircraft involved in accident in Fujairah

The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is looking into a training aircraft accident that occurred in Fujairah airspace.
UAE President stresses importance of accelerating climate action

The UAE's President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the opening session of the COP29 World Leaders Climate Action Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday.
Construction of aerial taxi vertiport begins near DXB

Dubai has commenced the construction of its first aerial taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport, which is expected to be operational in 2026.
UAE adopts new standards to improve indoor air quality

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced the adoption of the latest technical specifications from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers to enhance indoor air quality in government buildings across the UAE.
DEWA’s hydroelectric power plant in Hatta near completion

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced that its pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Hatta is 94.15 per cent complete, with generator installations currently underway in preparation for a trial operation in the first quarter of 2025.
UAE exempts employers from GPSSA late fine

The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has exempted employers in the federal, government and private sectors from incurring fines for late contribution payments due for October and November 2024.
UAE highlights urgency for Security Council reform

The United Arab Emirates reiterated its strong support for the ongoing efforts to reform the United Nations Security Council during a debate convened at the UN.