SpaceX Crew-6 — A Historic 6-Month Mission
A 186-day journey aboard the International Space Station that made history for the UAE and the Arab world.
Sultan Al Neyadi launched to the International Space Station on March 2, 2023, as part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 mission. Serving as a Mission Specialist, he became the first Arab astronaut to spend a long-duration mission aboard the ISS, living and working in microgravity for 186 days. During his time on Expedition 69, Al Neyadi conducted over 200 scientific experiments spanning biology, materials science, fluid physics, and human physiology, while also performing the first-ever spacewalk by an Arab astronaut. His mission represented a monumental milestone for the UAE's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and cemented the nation's role as a serious contributor to human spaceflight.
Lifting off from the historic Kennedy Space Center aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.
On March 2, 2023, at 12:34 AM EST, the SpaceX Crew-6 mission launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew was carried aboard the Dragon Endeavour spacecraft, propelled into orbit by a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. LC-39A is one of the most storied launch pads in history, having served as the departure point for the Apollo 11 Moon landing and numerous Space Shuttle missions.
The Falcon 9 first-stage booster, designated B1078, successfully landed on the autonomous drone ship "Just Read the Instructions" in the Atlantic Ocean following stage separation. The Dragon Endeavour capsule then performed a series of orbital manoeuvres over approximately 25 hours before autonomously docking with the forward port of the ISS Harmony module on March 3, 2023, at 1:40 AM EST.
Key milestones from launch to splashdown.
The first extravehicular activity performed by an Arab astronaut in the history of human spaceflight.
Sultan Al Neyadi's spacewalk was a watershed moment for the Arab and Muslim world. The EVA demonstrated that UAE astronauts are not merely passengers but fully trained operational crew members capable of performing the most demanding and dangerous tasks in human spaceflight. It inspired millions across the Middle East and beyond, proving that with investment, education, and determination, any nation can participate at the highest levels of space exploration. The spacewalk was broadcast live and watched by millions, with celebrations held across the UAE.
Spacecraft specifications and daily life aboard the International Space Station.
How this historic mission advanced science, collaboration, and aspiration.
Demonstrated the UAE's readiness for long-duration human spaceflight, establishing the nation as a key partner in the international space community and advancing MBRSC's astronaut programme.
Strengthened partnerships between the UAE, NASA, SpaceX, and international space agencies, paving the way for future joint missions and scientific cooperation on the ISS and beyond.
Contributed over 200 microgravity experiments to the global body of scientific research, generating data in fields from cancer cell growth to fluid dynamics that benefits life on Earth.
Inspired an entire generation across the Arab world to pursue careers in STEM and space science, proving that ambitious national programmes can achieve extraordinary milestones within a decade.