After two years of hard work -- including practice spacewalks -- Nora  AlMatrooshi, her fellow Emrati Mohammad AlMulla and 10 others in their training class are fully qualified astronauts
AFP

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) on Thursday announced that it has signed an agreement with Dubai Health to work together to prioritize the health and safety of astronauts by providing an ideal environment and promoting innovation in health sciences.

The pact was signed by Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General, MBRSC, and. Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO, Dubai Health, at the Centre's headquarters.

"The health and safety of our astronauts are paramount, and this agreement will ensure that they receive the best possible care before, during, and after their missions. In the rapidly evolving space sector, collaboration is the way forward," AlMarri said, according to WAM.

"By integrating our efforts with Dubai Health, we are not only enhancing the well-being of our astronauts but also pushing the boundaries of space healthcare and driving innovation in health sciences," he added.

The director general went on to share that this partnership will not only strengthen the capabilities of the space center but also highlight the UAE's commitment to advancing space and health technologies.

The agreement includes several initiatives by MBRSC to ensure astronauts' health and well-being. Working with Dubai Health, MBRSC will conduct thorough health checks for astronauts before their missions.

These checks will include medical exams, screenings, and evaluations to ensure they are fit for space travel. Furthermore, MBRSC will offer astronaut training programs with Dubai Health, preparing astronauts for health protocols and emergencies.

The center will also share health data with healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for astronauts. Both organizations will collaborate to improve medical technologies and methods related to space healthcare, promoting continuous improvement.

The Dubai Health CEO called Emirati astronauts a source of national pride and said that they serve as an asset for the UAE in advancing knowledge and scientific capabilities alongside raising the country's profile at the global level.

"At Dubai Health, we are proud to play a direct role in ensuring the health and safety of our astronauts by offering an environment for quality healthcare, providing comprehensive health assessments and supporting the monitoring of health during space missions," Sharif said.

He further said that this agreement is aligned with the entity's "strategic objectives, encompassing key pillars of care, learning, and discovery to elevate the standard of care and to advance health for humanity, whilst helping to strengthen our nation's healthcare and space capabilities."