UAE Astronaut Programme: 14 candidates qualify for final phase of second batch

Fourteen candidates have been selected for the final phase of the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme, Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced.

The shortlisted candidates include nine men and five women from across the UAE.

The programme trains and prepares a team of Emiratis for scientific space mission as a part of the UAE’s National Space Programme.

The shortlisted candidates belong to diverse educational and professional background.

A total of 4,305 applicants had applied for the second batch of the programme.

The selected candidates will now undergo final interviews conducted by a committee consisting of specialists from MBRSC.

 "We have reached an important stage in the programme to select the second batch of Emirati astronauts. They will participate in scientific space exploration missions in partnership with international astronauts, which serves the aspirations of the country to participate in global space missions,” Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General, MBRSC, said.