VIDEO: Emirati astronaut Al Neyadi shares heartfelt farewell speech, says ‘now we are a new family’

Yamama Badwan, Staff Reporter

Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi confirmed that with the near completion of his historic mission aboard the International Space Station and his return to Earth on Sunday, accompanied by his fellow Crew 6 crew, this mission will not be the end, but will be followed by other missions in the near future.

The Emirati astronaut added, speaking in Arabic: “Thank you to everyone and everyone who provided assistance in completing the longest mission for Arab astronauts in space, which consisted of 6 months of scientific research and studies, as well as experiments and spacewalks, where we shared with the space community, its importance and why we work here as one family, for goals, which will benefit to humanity.”

He continued: “Praise be to God who enabled us to spend 6 months on board the international station, which I consider to have passed quickly, but we will continue to spread science upon returning to Earth, and we will see you well.”

He also addressed words of thanks in English to the mission leader and the other pioneers, saying that 6 months represents a special time and that it has passed quickly, as he carried out the experiments and research required of him according to the previously prepared timetable.

Al Neyadi added that the longest mission for Arab astronauts in space represents a strong impetus to carry out new missions led by the Middle East region. He also wants to repeat his experience with the same crew, “Crew 6, 100%, because of the cooperation and harmony he witnessed between the astronauts, which gave him a wonderful experience.

This came at a farewell ceremony, which was organized by the astronauts on board the station, including Expedition 69 and the Crew 7 crew, before the Crew 6 crew returns to Earth on Sunday morning.

American Major Steve Bowen praised the cooperation he experienced with the Crew 6 crew upon their arrival to the station, indicating that the Crew 7 crew, which arrived at the station a few days ago, would receive the same treatment and learn from his fellow astronauts as he and the rest of the team learned.

In his speech, Warren Hoburg explained that the six months that are coming to an end represent a historic mission for him, in light of the experiments and research he carried out during it along with his other fellow astronauts, in addition to the space walk mission he undertook.

Russian Major Sergey Prokopyev wished Al-Neyadi and the Crew 6 crew a successful return to Earth, noting that he was grateful for the long period he spent with the astronauts, which witnessed cooperation at all levels, especially daily living, which proved that they were a large family.

Applause and gratitude

At the end of the farewell ceremony, the 11 astronauts exchanged applause and words of thanks and gratitude for the times they spent together as a multinational and multicultural family, but through conducting scientific experiments and research they aimed to benefit all of humanity.

Over the past years, it has been customary to organize a reception party for new astronauts upon their arrival at the station, and another farewell party for the astronauts who are preparing to leave and land on Earth, after completing their mission.

According to a tweet, published by NASA on Twitter immediately after the end of the ceremony, it said: “4 astronauts are approaching the end of their mission in space, which will reduce the number of residents of the station to 7 astronauts, as they spent yesterday, Thursday, preparing the Dragon spacecraft in preparation for returning to their homes at an unknown date beyond September 2.