Dubai, UAE – UAE Astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi’s return journey from the International Space Station (ISS) has encountered a delay due to adverse weather conditions. Originally scheduled for September 3, the departure was postponed because of unfavorable weather near the designated splashdown sites off the coast of Florida.
NASA and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) now anticipate Al Neyadi’s return to Earth on September 4, contingent upon improved weather conditions.
The next possible undocking opportunity is no earlier than 7:05 am EDT on Sunday, September 3, with the actual splashdown expected no earlier than 12:07 am on Monday, September 4, pending further weather assessments, as stated by NASA.
Sultan Al Neyadi will be joined by his fellow Crew-6 members, including NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg, as well as Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.
Before his departure, Al Neyadi shared his sentiments from aboard the ISS, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to their historic mission.
He remarked, “The six months of scientific research aboard the ISS have been amazing,” and reflected on the significant legacy of exploration and science that has emerged from the region.
During his six-month stay on the ISS, Al Neyadi conducted over 200 scientific research and awareness activities.
On April 28, he made history by becoming the first Arab astronaut to participate in a six-and-a-half-hour spacewalk alongside his American colleague Stephen Bowen.
This mission has not only been a scientific endeavor but has also forged strong bonds among the crew members, with Al Neyadi stating, “We began the mission as crewmates, but now we’re brothers.”
