Look: UAE astronaut gets Nasa golden pin from crewmates

Look: UAE astronaut gets Nasa golden pin from crewmates

Sultan AlNeyadi calls it 'a great honour' and a symbol of his commitment to the journey

Photos: Sultan AlNeyadi/Twitter

Published: Wed 5 Apr 2023, 11:23 AM Last updated: Wed 5 Apr 2023, 11:42 AM

UAE astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi has received yet another badge of honour of which he can be proud.

AlNeyadi took to Twitter to share photos of his crewmates present Nasa's golden astronaut pin aboard the International Space Station.

"It is a great honour for me to be part of this historic mission, representing my country, the UAE, and to receive NASA’s golden astronaut pin," he said. "I will wear this pin as a symbol of the commitment I made when I started on this journey."

Nasa's astronaut pins

Nasa gives out the golden astronaut pin to those who join 'elite astronaut ranks', according to Dubai Media Office. Astronauts receive their golden pins, which feature a star shooting through a halo, in a special ceremony in orbit.

Last year, AlNeyadi received a silver pin, which is what Nasa gives astronauts who have completed their basic training and are qualified for mission assignments.

Fun fact: two silver astronaut pins are currently on the moon! According to space.com, Alan Bean, the fourth person to walk on the moon, left