Sultan Saif Al Neyadi was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal and the Space Exploration Medal, acknowledging his exemplary service and contributions to space exploration.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and its team were honoured with prestigious awards by Nasa, during the Expedition 69 Crew Debrief and Welcome Home Ceremony held at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, USA.

During the event, the MBRSC delegation, led by Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General, MBRSC celebrated the successful completion of the Expedition 69 mission and the strong ties between MBRSC and Nasa.

In a series of commendations, astronaut Dr Sultan Saif Al Neyadi was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal and the Space Exploration Medal, acknowledging his exemplary service and contributions to space exploration, while Dr Hanan Al Suwaidi, MBRSC's Flight Surgeon, was honoured with the Johnson Space Center Superior Achievement Award, highlighting her significant contributions to the health and safety of the crew during Expedition 69 and Crew-6.

Dr Hanan Al Suwaidi, MBRSC's Flight Surgeon, was honoured with the Johnson Space Center Superior Achievement Award.

Adnan Al Rais, Assistant Director General, Space Operations and Exploration Sector, MBRSC, and Mohammad Al Bulooshi, Manager of the Space Operations Section, received the Group Achievement Award on behalf of MBRSC, in recognition of the centre’s pivotal role in the success of Expedition 69 and its contribution to advancing human space exploration.

The event also saw the participation of astronauts Hazzaa Al Mansoori, Astronauts Office Manager, MBRSC; Nora Al Matrooshi, and Mohammad Al Mulla.

In a time-honoured tradition that marks the end of an astronaut's journey, Nasa astronaut Jessica Meir rang the bell at the Johnson Space Center, signalling the official conclusion of their mission.

Crew of Expedition 69 during the Expedition 69 Crew Debrief and Welcome Home Ceremony at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, USA.

The ceremony further featured engaging storytelling sessions by the crew, sharing insights and experiences from their mission, captivating attendees with tales of courage, discovery, and collaboration.

The UAE Astronaut Programme is one of the projects managed by MBRSC under the UAE’s National Space Programme and funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), which aims to support research and development in the ICT sector in the UAE and promote the country’s integration on the global stage.