What the four Emiratis say
‘I want to save humanity’ Ahmad Al Ali, Captain Boeing 777, based in Dubai
“My answer to why I want to be an astronaut might astonish you. Honestly, I want to be an astronaut because I want to save humanity. If we remain a single-planet species, the unavoidable truth is we’re headed for extinction. So we want to try and find a way to live in another planet and next on the list is the Red Planet, Mars. We fly the B777 and we have two engines, why? In case one fails, we have backup. So what do we have as a backup on Earth? Nothing. I tried to apply in Nasa once but unfortunately I did not qualify because I do not have a US passport. I have also toured the mock-up facilities for astronaut training and have learnt a lot about it. As far as competencies are concerned, being in an aluminium tube for a long time is no trouble at all for me and proof of that is my 8,000 flight hours on the B777. That’s equivalent to one year in semi-space, if you can call it that. As a pilot, I’m used to jet lag and homesickness. I learn very fast and I know a little Russian because my wife is from Serbia. The salary is the least of my concern as an astronaut because I’m sacrificing and giving my life away all for the sake of my hopes to save the planet.”
‘I want to be an inspiration for the next generation’ Fatima Al Beloushi, 25, follow-up engineer, Ras Al Khaimah
“I studied aerospace engineering because I’m really interested in space. I’ve always dreamed to become an astronaut since I was nine years old. I’ve always worked to improve myself and I want to be an inspiration for the next generation. I’ve been a youth delegate to the United Nations so I know how to be a leader and a follower at the same time. As far as being physically fit is concerned, I used to be a basketball player and I am now into boxing. I know how to manage myself. I know how to be an introvert and an extrovert; I can balance it. I am ambitious and am always willing to go the extra mile for something I am passionate about. I read a lot about outer space — it’s time I live the experience.”
‘I like adventures and want to delve into the unknown’ Maysaa Saeed, 38, customer service representative, Fewa, Sharjah
“I applied to become the UAE’s first astronaut because it has always been my dream to become one. I like adventures and I want to delve into the unknown and see and experience new and strange things for me. As a customer service agent, I know how to deal with different kinds of people. I am patient and I know how to support my colleagues. I am also the funniest in our team. I have a sense of humour which I think is also needed in highly stressful environments. I am into sports, specifically tennis and squash. As far as language goes, I already know one Russian word.”
Alya Mohammad, 26, HR administrator, Fewa, Ajman
“I have always loved space. It’s my passion. More than studying it, I just love it. I love to watch movies and documentaries about space, space explorations and anything related to it. I also used to work as an early childhood education teacher and I taught about space, how you relate in space and even in actual confined spaces in rooms and areas [similar to a spacecraft]. I am a fast learner as well. I can easily learn a foreign language. I learnt how to speak basic Korean just by watching Korean films or shows. I am sure learning Russian won’t be a problem.”