Neyadi, MBRSC honoured at Expedition 69 crew debrief ceremony

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and its team have been honoured at the Expedition 69 Crew Debrief and Welcome Home Ceremony at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. 

During the event, the MBRSC team led by Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of MBRSC, celebrated the successful completion of the Expedition 69 mission and the strong ties between MBRSC and NASA.

In a series of commendations, astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal and the Space Exploration Medal, acknowledging his exemplary service and contributions to space exploration.

Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, MBRSC's Flight Surgeon, was honoured with the Johnson Space Center Superior Achievement Award, highlighting her significant contributions to the health and safety of the crew during Expedition 69 and Crew-6.

Adnan Al Rais, Assistant Director General, Space Operations and Exploration Sector, MBRSC, and Mohammad Al Bulooshi, Manager of the Space Operations Section, received the Group Achievement Award, in recognition of the MBRSC's pivotal role in the success of Expedition 69 and its contribution to advancing human space exploration.

The event also saw the participation of astronauts Hazzaa Al Mansoori, Astronauts Office Manager, MBRSC; Nora Al Matrooshi, and Mohammad Al Mulla.

In a time-honoured tradition that marks the end of an astronaut's journey, NASA's Jessica Meir rang the bell at the Johnson Space Center, signalling the official conclusion of their mission. 

The ceremony featured engaging storytelling sessions by the crew, sharing insights and experiences from their mission, captivating attendees with tales of courage, discovery, and collaboration.

The UAE Astronaut Programme is one of the projects managed by MBRSC under the UAE’s National Space Programme and funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), which aims to support research and development in the ICT sector in the UAE and promote the country’s integration on the global stage.