Sheikh Mohammed interacts with Hazzaa AlMansouri, who was stationed at the ISS for a mission. WAM/ File

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has directed the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) to open registration for the second edition of the UAE Astronaut Programme. The move marks the start of a new phase of the UAE’s space exploration journey.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced that it has received nearly 1,000 applications in the first 4 hours of the registration opening for the second edition of the UAE Astronaut Programme.

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Sheikh Mohammed took to Twitter and said, “We are looking for a new Emirati astronaut for the second UAE mission in space... For those who see the same ambition, energy and determination of our sons and daughters Register at Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center http://mbrsc.ae/astronauts… The march to space and our mission continues…”

UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply for the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme.

All professions will be considered, from engineers to pilots, military personnel to teachers, those involved in STEM and other professions.

UAE specialists carry Hazzaa Al Mansoori shortly after the landing. File/ AP

The following criteria should be met:

— Nationality: Emirati

— Age: +18

— Language: Proficiency in Arabic and English

— Education: University Graduate (Bachelor’s or Higher)

Hazzaa AlMansouri poses with the UAE flag at the ISS. File

Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE’s ambitious space programme continues to make progress in realising Zayed’s ambition of making the country a leader in the space sector. The success of the eight-day mission of Hazzaa AlMansouri, the first Emirati astronaut, to the International Space Station (ISS), which was made possible through the efforts of the MBRSC team, represents another step forward in the country’s space ambitions.

People of all professions are invited to register. Please visit: https://www.mbrsc.ae/astronaut-programme#AstroAbout

During a call with Hazzaa AlMansouri during his mission to ISS in September, Sheikh Mohammed told Hazzaa: “You're a source of pride for all Emiratis. You're the first (Emirati to travel to space) and the first is always remembered. However, I can proudly assure you that a generation of young Emiratis will follow in your footsteps and become space scientists and technology pioneers.”

Hazzaa AlMansouri in traditional attire stands for a photograph with ISS crewmembers. File

Following Sheikh Mohammed’s directives, MBRSC said the second edition of the programme will commence immediately. The programme is designed to prepare and train Emiratis to travel to space for various scientific missions. The programme will benefit from the experiences of the first two UAE astronauts Hazza AlMansouri and Sultan AlNeyadi.

MBRSC invites Emiratis to register for the second edition of the UAE Astronaut Programme online on mbrsc.ae/astronauts. The deadline for registration is 19 January 2020. Applicants will go through several tests including physical, mental and psychological tests, before the final set of participants are selected. Applicants should be UAE Nationals above 18 years old, have proficiency in Arabic and English, and be university graduates.