Hazzaa AlMansoori

Hazzaa AlMansoori

Hazzaa AlMansoori is the first Emirati to launch to space and a symbol of national pride for the UAE. His historic eight-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2019 under the "Zayed’s Ambition" initiative marked a defining moment in the UAE’s journey toward becoming a leader in space exploration. With a background as a military pilot and a passion for astronomy, AlMansoori’s journey to space has inspired countless individuals in the UAE and the wider Arab world.

Education

AlMansoori graduated from Khalifa bin Zayed Air College, where he trained as a military pilot, excelling in advanced aviation skills. He furthered his expertise by completing three years of training in Arizona, USA, as a Functional Check Flight (FCF) pilot for the F-16B60 aircraft.

Experience

AlMansoori became the youngest military pilot on the F-16, demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership. His expertise in flight testing and aircraft assessment earned him a place among the first Arab and Emirati pilots to participate in the Dubai Air Show, showcasing his abilities on an international stage.

In 2017, AlMansoori was selected as one of the first astronauts in the UAE Astronaut Programme, initiated by H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His extensive background as a military pilot and his ability to adapt to challenging environments positioned him as a strong contender for the UAE’s first human spaceflight mission.

Missions and Training

AlMansoori’s journey to space included intensive training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Moscow, NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, and the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne. Over the course of his preparation, he completed more than 1,400 hours of rigorous training, mastering ISS operations, emergency procedures, and survival techniques.

In September 2019, AlMansoori embarked on an eight-day mission to the ISS, becoming the first Emirati astronaut and making the UAE the 19th country and the first Arab nation to send an astronaut to the ISS. During this mission, he conducted 31 scientific experiments, including 16 in collaboration with NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, and JAXA. His work contributed valuable insights to the global scientific community. In addition to his research, AlMansoori inspired students in the UAE through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s (MBRSC) “Science in Space” initiative, engaging with them through live sessions from space.

Following his historic mission, AlMansoori served as the backup for Dr. Sultan AlNeyadi during the UAE’s second mission to the ISS. He also made history as the first Arab Increment Lead for an ISS expedition, further solidifying his role as a leader in Arab space exploration.

Historic Milestones

AlMansoori’s mission to the ISS marked a pivotal moment in Arab and Emirati history. As the UAE’s first astronaut, he not only achieved personal milestones but also set the stage for the nation’s ambitious space programme. His mission under “Zayed’s Ambition” symbolized the UAE’s commitment to scientific advancement and its aspiration to inspire future generations.

Current Role

AlMansoori now serves as the Astronauts Office Manager at MBRSC, where he continues to contribute to the UAE’s space exploration efforts. His leadership and experience remain instrumental in mentoring the next generation of Emirati astronauts and advancing the nation’s position in the global space community.

Meet the Astronauts
Skip to content