The Emirati astronaut has been undergoing scientific tests in Moscow…

After a historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS) last week, Emirati astronaut Hazzaa Al Mansoori is preparing to return to the UAE. Right now Hazzaa is in Moscow, where he is undergoing observation and tests following his return from space.

Hazzaa will land back in the UAE on Saturday October 12, after spending 10 months out of the country. He is currently at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, where he is being tested for the effects of spending time in microgravity.

The doctors and scientists are looking to measure how travelling to space changes the human body. Some of the tests he has endured include sensory adaptation, osteology (skeleton) tests and a comprehensive diagnosis of the kidneys.

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Returning with him this weekend will be his team mate and back up astronaut, Sultan Al Neyadi. Both astronauts are expected to be welcomed by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), along with their families. The pair will be accompanied by MBRSC Chairman, HE Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, and the Director General HE Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani

During his eight days aboard the International Space Station, Hazzaa Al Mansoori shared lots of videos about life on the ISS with the world. Much of his focus was around inspiring the next generation of astronauts, holding several question and answer sessions with school children.

At a recent press conference in Moscow, he said: “I am only the first, and queues of future astronauts will follow. I am determined to share the experience with the young generations who are interested in this vital sector for the UAE.”

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Images: Twitter