Emirati astronauts complete advanced training in cell culture for space research

Emirati astronauts have completed a training programme focused on growing and handling cells, so that they are prepared to carry out biomedical experiments on future space missions.

The efforts were part of the new Medical and Research Astronaut Training Programme by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and Mohammed bin Rashid University.

Astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri, Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla, spent two weeks learning essential techniques such as cell culture, thawing and freezing.

“This training is part of our preparation for future missions, during which we will conduct similar experiments in space,” said Ms Al Matrooshi, a mechanical engineer who is the first Emirati woman to be selected as an astronaut.

Cell culture is the process of growing cells under controlled conditions, typically used in research to study diseases, develop new medicines and explore other areas of biology.

Researchers often send experiments related to cell culture to the International Space Station to take advantage of the microgravity environment, which causes cells to behave differently than on Earth.

The research helps scientists to explore the impacts space on the human body and to develop new medicines or medical technologies that improve life on Earth.

“We are ready to provide data about cell behaviour in microgravity during our upcoming missions,” said Mr Al Mulla, a former Dubai Police helicopter pilot.

Maj Al Mansouri was the first Emirati astronaut to travel to space in 2019 for a week-long trip to the International Space Station.

He had carried out a series of experiments focusing on the effects of microgravity on the human body, including studying how bones, muscles and the cardiovascular system respond to the absence of gravity.

His colleague Sultan Al Neyadi, now the Minister of Youth, flew to the ISS for a six-month mission last year and performed the first spacewalk by an Arab astronaut.

Dr Al Neyadi also studied how the lack of gravity affects the body, as well as contributed to research on fluid dynamics, material science and plant biology.

Ms Al Matrooshi and Mr Al Mulla are yet to fly on a mission, but have completed a two-year basic astronaut training course by Nasa in Houston, Texas.

The UAE has these four Emiratis in its astronaut corps, but more could be added in the coming years, as the country eyes missions to the Moon and beyond.

It is helping Nasa develop the Gateway, a lunar-orbiting station, by providing the agency with an airlock, a vital component through which astronauts and cargo enter and exit.

In exchange, the UAE will send an Emirati to the station, but a separate agreement will have to be signed to land an Emirati astronaut on the Moon's surface.