An Emirati pilot who was selected for NASA’s simulated Mars journey is set to begin his mission in Houston, Texas.
Shareef Al Romaithi and crew members will live and work in isolation inside a special habitat for 45 days for the project that will simulate a journey to the red planet.
In April, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre announced Al Romaithi's selection for the second analog study of the UAE Analog Programme, as part of a NASA research campaign.
The project is designed to help scientists study how crew members adapt to difficult conditions before they embark on deep space missions.
Here is an overview of the second analog study of the UAE Analog Programme, starting tomorrow as part of NASA's Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA). pic.twitter.com/6oNo7ENtEW
— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) May 9, 2024
The team will spend time in the confined space environment to see what the impact of the isolation is on organ functions.
The UAE is taking part in four phases of the research, each of which lasts for 45 days.

UAE President, Canadian PM hail stronger ties across key sectors
Dubai expands Bus-On-Demand service to three more areas
No injuries reported after fire at Dubai South workshop
Dubai Creek Lights project to create world-class nighttime destination
Dubai Police issues warning after man caught for illegal money transfers
UAE resolves 99% of labour disputes without courts
Over 800 arrested in UAE-led operation to fight environmental crime in Amazon basin
Dubai expands road capacity on key traffic corridor
Dubai Police correctional establishments recognised for human rights excellence
Two face legal action over offensive social media broadcast
UAE, Bahrain foreign ministers discuss regional developments
UAE sets up health camp for children with congenital heart disease in Zanzibar
UAE expresses solidarity with Greece, Denmark after helicopter crash
UAE, Qatar discuss regional developments and security
1 dead, 5 injured after gas cylinder blast at Dubai car showroom
Rain alert for parts of UAE
Dubai sets up media committee to counter fake news, misinformation
UAE marks 1,000 days of humanitarian mission supporting Gaza
UAE continues to send more aid convoys to Gaza
UAE and Kuwait foreign ministers discuss regional developments
