DUBAI: Four Emirati astronauts will undergo specialized training at NASA as part of a new agreement with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).
The strategic agreement announced on Monday aims to prepare the astronauts for advanced space missions.
Astronauts Hazzaa AlMansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi are currently taking part in the training of the 2021 NASA Astronaut Candidate Class. Two more will be selected from the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme to join the NASA program.
Dubai Media Office said the program will prepare Emirati astronauts physically and psychologically for future space missions.
The training program will be conducted at NASA's Johnson Space Center, one of the world’s largest centers for spaceflight training, research, and mission control.
The UAE has risen to become a major international space exploration force.
Last year, AlMansoori joined a mission to the International Space Station and in July, the UAE launched a probe to Mars.