Today is FINALLY the day that Emirati astronaut, Hazza AlMansoori, takes on space- a first for the UAE and the Arab world.

Prior to his departure to space, AlMansoori and the rest of his co-astronauts answered questions during the pre-launch press conference.

An interesting point came in, when Hazza revealed how he used to pray while flying his jet and he’s all set to perform his prayers onboard the ISS during the eight-day stay.

His prayers will be live-streamed on board the ISS

When asked about being able to pray on board,  35-year-old AlMansoori said…

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“For the prayer, we have flexibility for this in our religion. As a fighter pilot, I already used to pray in my aircraft. I use to fly with high speed and pray. It’s not something that’s new to me, but it will be different while on the ISS. It’s a different scenario. I will be recording this and show everyone how I will pray while just pointing to Earth. I will share it with everyone.”

Today the main and backup crews of the September 25 mission held a press conference behind the isolation glass in the presence of the officials from @MBRSpaceCentre, participating space agencies and the astronauts families to discuss the final preparations for the mission. pic.twitter.com/UTRnuS6OjX

— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) September 24, 2019

‘I want to inspire the youth’

When asked what Hazza Al Mansoori wanted to achieve from the Soyuz MS-15 space mission, he related the response back to his children and hopefully inspiring the youth.

“I have good connection with my kids. I know it gives hope for the next generation so they can work hard. I will do well in this mission and I will come back for my kids.” 

I’ve spoken to Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi as they prepare for the space flight. The journey will see the UAE create history and will mark our entry into the world of space exploration, inspiring future generations to aim for greater glory. pic.twitter.com/us1e0y4RAG

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 23, 2019

The entire UAE is proud of this mission fulfilling the founding father, Sheikh Zayed’s dream

Dream come true, indeed

We are proud of Hazzaa Al Mansoori, the first Emirati Astronaut. Sheikh Zayed’s dream has come true under the guidance of our wise leadership and the efforts of our people.#QCC #HazzaaAlMansoori #FirstEmiratiAstronaut #UAEInSpace pic.twitter.com/HLvIOjawAG

— مجلس أبوظبي للجودة والمطابقة (@QCCAbuDhabi) September 25, 2019

Emiratis, expats and people around the world also share their emotions of pride towards this historic day

As I child, my first dream job was to be an astronaut. The fact that we have the first Emirati Astronaut traveling to space today gives me so much pride and chance to live vicariously through @astro_hazzaa's experience. Best of luck, brother! الله يوفقك #UAEinSpace

— Hassan Al Marashi (@HassanAlMarashi) September 25, 2019

“We wish you a successful journey”

To the UAE pride, the first ever Emirati Astronaut, #HazzaaAlMansoori, we wish you a successful journey to the space! You make UAE Proud! @astro_hazzaa
#UAEinSpace

— Mohan. C (@MohanIndTN) September 25, 2019

Goosebumps- even the kids are excited and anticipate the launch

Students of grade 4 cannot keep calm..it's the first astronaut from UAE going into space. #HazzaaAlMansoori #UAEinSpace @ShettySampoorna @Fatima_Martin @gemsnms_alkhail @khaleejtimes @KHDA pic.twitter.com/v2HrUHLuSG

— steffe (@Steffedsouza) September 25, 2019

Catch the UAE’s historic space mission LIVE

Live streaming for the UAE’s inclusion on a space journey to the ISS station will commence from 5.57 pm-onwards.

You can watch it on Dubai TV, or on the MBRSC website.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2yeP27AFHA/