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United Arab Emirates’ Astronauts Anticipate Ramadan Reunions
The UAE’s latest astronauts are eagerly looking forward to reuniting with their families as the holy month of Ramadan approaches, as reported by media outlets. Nora AlMatrooshi and Mohammad AlMulla of the UAE Space Agency recently completed their basic training alongside 10 NASA astronauts at a ceremony near the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Over the past 2.5 years, the UAE duo has embarked on a global journey to acquire fundamental skills such as spacewalking, piloting T-38 jets, and conducting tasks on the International Space Station (ISS) and for the Artemis program, which aims to send astronauts to the moon. They shared their plans for Ramadan, commencing on March 10, in a report published by Khaleej Times.
Family Reunions and Ramadan Festivities
AlMatrooshi, during her graduation ceremony, was surrounded by a “large group of family members” who traveled from the Emirates to witness her milestone. Her sister even flew in from Toronto, Canada, demonstrating the strong familial support. AlMatrooshi expressed excitement about reuniting with her extended family in the UAE, highlighting the anticipation of sharing her experiences with them upon her return.
Similarly, AlMulla conveyed his eagerness to return to the UAE in time for Ramadan. Having been away for over two years, he acknowledged the unwavering support of his family and expressed yearning for home-cooked meals, companionship, and familiar surroundings in Dubai.
Observing Ramadan in Space
As Muslims worldwide prepare to observe Ramadan based on lunar sightings, the 2024 iteration will span from March 10 to April 9, reflecting the Islamic lunar calendar’s fluidity in relation to the Gregorian calendar. Sultan Al Neyadi, the UAE’s first long-duration astronaut, navigated the challenges of fasting during his half-year stay aboard the ISS last year, emphasizing the need to balance personal observances with space mission priorities.
Highlighting the need to ensure adequate nutrition and hydration during space missions, Al Neyadi underscored the importance of aligning orbital activities with the crew’s safety and operational effectiveness. Reflecting on historical precedents, the UAE’s participation in NASA missions underscores its commitment to advancing space exploration and upholding norms of peaceful cooperation within the Artemis Accords.
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