The selection process for astronauts chosen to conduct spacewalks outside the International Space Station (ISS) is rigorous, requiring them to demonstrate exceptional proficiency in fields such as engineering, robotics, and life support systems. It is no small feat to qualify for such a mission, as only 259 astronauts have ever ventured outside the ISS since its launch in 1998, and there have been less than 700 spacewalks performed in total.

In preparation for his upcoming spacewalk, Al Neyadi has been undergoing training since 2018, including at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) located at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, since 2020. During these training sessions, astronauts don a 127kg extravehicular suit, also known as an EVA, and practice underwater for several hours. At the NBL, Al Neyadi completed nine six-hour-long training sessions to simulate a spacewalk while using a full mock-up of the ISS.

During his spacewalk, Al Neyadi will wear his EVA suit while inside the space station, tethered to ensure his safety as he exits the airlock and begins his repair work. This will all take place while he floats in microgravity, requiring him to remain focused on his work and his safety throughout the entire process.

Al Neyadi, who launched into space from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US, on March 2, is currently participating in a six-month mission to conduct various experiments in space, including human cell growth and managing combustible materials in microgravity. He is the second person from the UAE to ever fly to space.

Al Neyadi’s spacewalk will be live broadcasted on NASA and streamed on both NASA and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center’s social media channels.