Watch LIVE: UAE astronaut to land in Florida for historic 6-month space mission

Watch LIVE: UAE astronaut to land in Florida for historic 6-month space mission

Sultan Al Neyadi will take off for International Space Station on February 26

Published: Tue 21 Feb 2023, 9:00 PM Last updated: Tue 21 Feb 2023, 10:08 PM

UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi is one step closer to creating history. He will arrive at the Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, tonight along with his crew – 6 colleagues.

Al Neyadi will take off on February 26 in what will be the Arab world's first long-duration space mission.

Here's the latest update on his journey to International Space Station:

9.57pm: Sharing of dates in space

During this 6-month mission, Al Neyadi will spend the whole month of Ramadan in space. He plans to take dates with him and share them with his crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Al Neyadi joked that he wouldn't miss carrying dates with him as they were a special request by commander Stephen Bowen.

He also said he would wear his jujitsu kimono and practice some moves

9.56pm: ‘Thank you’

Wearing the typical blue Nasa spacesuit, Al Neyadi made his opening speech at the press briefing by thanking his family, trainers and colleagues. He said, "We have a great team and can't ask for more. We are ready - physically, mentally and technically."

He added