UAE's First Female Astronaut Aspires to Plant National Flag on Moon
Noora AlMatrooshi encourages young Emiratis to pursue careers in space exploration during a recent school event.
Noora AlMatrooshi, the first Emirati female astronaut, expressed her hope of one day planting the UAE flag on the moon during her talk with students at the American Academy for Girls in Dubai.
Addressing the audience, AlMatrooshi emphasized the expanding role of women in the traditionally male-dominated field of space exploration.
Her aspirations extend beyond lunar missions, as she aims to contribute to future missions to Mars.
As part of her training, she is studying geology to assist astronauts in identifying rock samples that may provide crucial insights into the planet's history.
At the event, AlMatrooshi stated, "The impact I want to leave on girls is to motivate them to engage with the UAE space programme and different initiatives offered by the country.
They must be prepared for these opportunities; work hard, stay committed, and serve their country in all fields."
Reflecting on her journey, AlMatrooshi recounted her selection in 2021 alongside her colleague Mohammed AlMulla as members of the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme.
Their training commenced at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai before transitioning to NASA's Johnson Space Center, where they trained for two and a half years.
The training program included skills development for spacewalk missions, operations on the International Space Station (ISS), proficiency with robotic arm systems, physical fitness training, and leadership skills.
AlMatrooshi noted their ongoing training continues both at MBRSC and NASA.
At MBRSC, she mentioned involvement in multiple projects, including collaboration with NASA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and the European Space Agency (ESA) on future projects, such as sending astronauts to the moon.
The UAE is a fifth partner in the ‘Lunar Gateway’ program, which is set to establish a space station orbiting the moon, focusing on developing an airlock module.
AlMatrooshi's interest in aerospace began with a background in mechanical engineering, encouraged by her family long before the establishment of the UAE astronaut program.
Her training included piloting high-speed jets, mastering International Space Station systems, and participating in spacewalk simulations at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in the United States.
At the Woman of Distinction event hosted by the American Academy for Girls, AlMatrooshi was honored for her achievements.
Students recognized her as an honorary house leader, noting her courage in pioneering a role for Emirati women in the field of space exploration.
The students expressed that AlMatrooshi's accomplishments inspire their own ambitions, with aspirations ranging from becoming eco-ambassadors to pursuing careers in engineering and advanced studies in physics.
Addressing the audience, AlMatrooshi emphasized the expanding role of women in the traditionally male-dominated field of space exploration.
Her aspirations extend beyond lunar missions, as she aims to contribute to future missions to Mars.
As part of her training, she is studying geology to assist astronauts in identifying rock samples that may provide crucial insights into the planet's history.
At the event, AlMatrooshi stated, "The impact I want to leave on girls is to motivate them to engage with the UAE space programme and different initiatives offered by the country.
They must be prepared for these opportunities; work hard, stay committed, and serve their country in all fields."
Reflecting on her journey, AlMatrooshi recounted her selection in 2021 alongside her colleague Mohammed AlMulla as members of the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme.
Their training commenced at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai before transitioning to NASA's Johnson Space Center, where they trained for two and a half years.
The training program included skills development for spacewalk missions, operations on the International Space Station (ISS), proficiency with robotic arm systems, physical fitness training, and leadership skills.
AlMatrooshi noted their ongoing training continues both at MBRSC and NASA.
At MBRSC, she mentioned involvement in multiple projects, including collaboration with NASA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and the European Space Agency (ESA) on future projects, such as sending astronauts to the moon.
The UAE is a fifth partner in the ‘Lunar Gateway’ program, which is set to establish a space station orbiting the moon, focusing on developing an airlock module.
AlMatrooshi's interest in aerospace began with a background in mechanical engineering, encouraged by her family long before the establishment of the UAE astronaut program.
Her training included piloting high-speed jets, mastering International Space Station systems, and participating in spacewalk simulations at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in the United States.
At the Woman of Distinction event hosted by the American Academy for Girls, AlMatrooshi was honored for her achievements.
Students recognized her as an honorary house leader, noting her courage in pioneering a role for Emirati women in the field of space exploration.
The students expressed that AlMatrooshi's accomplishments inspire their own ambitions, with aspirations ranging from becoming eco-ambassadors to pursuing careers in engineering and advanced studies in physics.