The first crew to go to the International Space Station included (left to right) Sergei Krikalev, Bill Shepherd and Yuri Gidzenko. Courtesy: Nasa
The first crew to go to the International Space Station included (left to right) Sergei Krikalev, Bill Shepherd and Yuri Gidzenko. Courtesy: Nasa
The new International Space Station after the crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavour captured the Zarya Control Module, left, and mated it with the Unity Node, right, inside the Shuttle's payload bay. This photo was taken after Endeavour undocked from the space station on Dec. 13, 1998, for the return to Earth. Almost two years later, the first crew _ American Bill Shepherd and Russians Sergei Krikalev and Yuri Gidzenko _ blasted off from Kazakhstan on Oct. 31, 2000, en route to the space station. Thus began 20 years of international cooperation and a steady stream of crew from around the world. (NASA via AP)
The new International Space Station after the crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavour captured the Zarya Control Module, left, and mated it with the Unity Node, right, inside the Shuttle's payload bay. This photo was taken after Endeavour undocked from the space station on Dec. 13, 1998, for the return to Earth. Almost two years later, the first crew _ American Bill Shepherd and Russians Sergei Krikalev and Yuri Gidzenko _ blasted off from Kazakhstan on Oct. 31, 2000, en route to the space station. Thus began 20 years of international cooperation and a steady stream of crew from around the world. (NASA via AP)
The ISS as seen from the Space Shuttle Atlantis after the station and shuttle began their post-undocking relative separation on May 23, 2010. Twenty years after the first crew arrived, the space station has hosted 241 residents and grown from three cramped and humid rooms to a complex almost as long as a football field, with six sleeping compartments, three toilets, a domed lookout and three high-tech labs. (NASA via AP)
The ISS as seen from the Space Shuttle Atlantis after the station and shuttle began their post-undocking relative separation on May 23, 2010. Twenty years after the first crew arrived, the space station has hosted 241 residents and grown from three cramped and humid rooms to a complex almost as long as a football field, with six sleeping compartments, three toilets, a domed lookout and three high-tech labs. (NASA via AP)
This Oct. 20, 2000 photo made available by NASA shows the International Space Station after separation of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Backdropped against the blackness of space, the Z1 Truss structure and its antenna, as well as the new pressurized mating adapter (PMA-3), are visible in the foreground. (NASA via AP)
This Oct. 20, 2000 photo made available by NASA shows the International Space Station after separation of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Backdropped against the blackness of space, the Z1 Truss structure and its antenna, as well as the new pressurized mating adapter (PMA-3), are visible in the foreground. (NASA via AP)
On October 31, 2000, a cloud of smoke surrounds the Soyuz rocket seconds before liftoff from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakstan, carrying the first residents of the International Space Station. Two days later, U.S. astronaut Bill Shepherd, and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Krikalev, and Yuri Gidzenko arrived at the space station. (NASA via AP, File)
On October 31, 2000, a cloud of smoke surrounds the Soyuz rocket seconds before liftoff from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakstan, carrying the first residents of the International Space Station. Two days later, U.S. astronaut Bill Shepherd, and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Krikalev, and Yuri Gidzenko arrived at the space station. (NASA via AP, File)
The Soyuz booster is transported to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakstan. Two days later, US astronaut Bill Shepherd, and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Krikalyov and Yuri Gidzenko blasted off to become the first residents on the International Space Station. (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel, File)
The Soyuz booster is transported to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakstan. Two days later, US astronaut Bill Shepherd, and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Krikalyov and Yuri Gidzenko blasted off to become the first residents on the International Space Station. (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel, File)
The International Space Station continues its orbit around the Earth as seen from a Soyuz spacecraft departing with NASA astronauts Andrew Feustel and Ricky Arnold and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, who had spent 197 days in space. From the first crew to the most recent, the No. 1 pastime aboard the station is gazing down at Earth. It takes just 90 minutes to circle the world, allowing crews to soak in a staggering 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets every day. (NASA/Roscosmos via AP)
The International Space Station continues its orbit around the Earth as seen from a Soyuz spacecraft departing with NASA astronauts Andrew Feustel and Ricky Arnold and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, who had spent 197 days in space. From the first crew to the most recent, the No. 1 pastime aboard the station is gazing down at Earth. It takes just 90 minutes to circle the world, allowing crews to soak in a staggering 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets every day. (NASA/Roscosmos via AP)
Humans on Earth can sometimes spot the ISS because of its large solar panels. (NASA via AP)
Humans on Earth can sometimes spot the ISS because of its large solar panels. (NASA via AP)
A Progress supply ship arrives on Nov. 18, 2000 to link up to the International Space Station, bringing Expedition 1 commander Bill Shepherd, pilot Yuri P. Gidzenko and flight engineer Sergei K. Krikalev two tons of food, clothing, hardware and holiday gifts from their families. (NASA via AP)
A Progress supply ship arrives on Nov. 18, 2000 to link up to the International Space Station, bringing Expedition 1 commander Bill Shepherd, pilot Yuri P. Gidzenko and flight engineer Sergei K. Krikalev two tons of food, clothing, hardware and holiday gifts from their families. (NASA via AP)
In this photo provided by NASA, the International Space Station is seen from the Space Shuttle Atlantis as the two spacecraft perform their relative separation on July 19, 2011. Above and to the right of the space station is the moon far in the distance. (NASA via AP)
In this photo provided by NASA, the International Space Station is seen from the Space Shuttle Atlantis as the two spacecraft perform their relative separation on July 19, 2011. Above and to the right of the space station is the moon far in the distance. (NASA via AP)

Science

20 years on: Five key moments on the International Space Station

The first crew arrived on the orbiting laboratory on November 2, 2000

Sarwat Nasir
Sarwat Nasir
UAE

November 02, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Twenty years ago today, a crew of three American and Russian astronauts cracked open a heavy steel hatch and climbed aboard the International Space Station.

And space exploration was never the same again.

Since then, the football field-sized structure – the brightest object in the sky after the Sun and Moon – has been continuously occupied by a multi-faith and multinational crew of scientists and engineers.

On November 2, 2000, Nasa astronaut Bill Shepherd and two Russian cosmonauts Yuri Gidzenko and Sergei Krikalev arrived. A handful of astronauts had been there before to build the modules, but this was the first resident crew.

Since then, 240 people from 19 countries have visited the station. This includes the first woman, Nasa astronaut Susan Helms in 2001, and the first Arab astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri in 2019.

But there are many memorable moments that have taken place on ISS. Here we look at five of the most memorable.

First space tourist - and a $20 million cheque

Space tourism may be a hot topic now, but the idea was born two decades ago when a private citizen paid to go to space.

American multimillionaire Dennis Tito became the world’s first space tourist on April 28, 2001.

It is said he paid about $20 million to spend eight days on the ISS after the Russians arranged the trip. Nasa refused to take him as he wasn’t a trained astronaut.

Mr Tito was 60-years-old at the time and going to space was his lifelong dream.

The world's first space tourist Dennis Tito waves in front of the International Space Station crew on April 30, 2001. Courtesy: RTV
The world's first space tourist Dennis Tito waves in front of the International Space Station crew on April 30, 2001. Courtesy: RTV
Painted Lady butterflies live in their habitat aboard the International Space Station. Courtesy: Nasa
Painted Lady butterflies live in their habitat aboard the International Space Station. Courtesy: Nasa
Red romaine lettuce was the first vegetable to grow in space in August 2015. Courtesy: Nasa
Red romaine lettuce was the first vegetable to grow in space in August 2015. Courtesy: Nasa
In 2016, British astronaut Tim Peake completed the fastest marathon in space. Courtesy: European Space Agency
In 2016, British astronaut Tim Peake completed the fastest marathon in space. Courtesy: European Space Agency
Maj Hazza Al Mansouri meets the rest of the team at the International Space Station shortly after docking. Courtesy: Nasa
Maj Hazza Al Mansouri meets the rest of the team at the International Space Station shortly after docking. Courtesy: Nasa

Since then, about seven similar trips have been arranged for private citizens and astronauts from countries that are not ISS-partners.

SpaceX billionaire Elon Musk and Virgin Galactic hope to make regular space tourism flights a reality, including trips to the Moon, ISS and sub-orbital flights.

Space station's first birth

On November 30, 2009, butterflies were born on the station.

Two types emerged from their cocoons inside a genetic bioprocessing container.

Seven cocoons were taken to space as part of an educational experiment for scientists, pupils and teachers. The butterflies’ birth and growth under microgravity conditions were studied.

They were the first Monarch butterflies in space and the first Painted Lady butterflies to go through all phases of development in microgravity.

Scientists found that the Monarchs’ lifespan on Earth is about two weeks, but they lasted four days in space because of the tight space. It took 15-minutes instead of three to six minutes for them to dry after coming out of their cocoon.

The Painted Lady lives for up to two weeks on Earth, but were alive for about a week in orbit.

Growing the first vegetables

Red romaine lettuce was the first vegetable to been grown in space, in August 2015 and they were a tastier alternative than the odd packaged space food astronauts have to eat.

But, they were grown mainly to study how plants and vegetables can be grown in microgravity and provide astronauts with a sustainable food source in future.

The astronauts ate half of the batch - and the rest were brought back to Earth.

Since then, astronauts have grown three types of lettuce, Chinese cabbage, mizuna mustard, red Russian kale and zinnia flowers.

They are all grown in the Advanced Plant Habitat, a growth chamber on the station used for plant research.

It uses LED lights and a controlled release fertiliser to deliver water, nutrients and oxygen to the plant roots.

The chamber also has cameras and more than 180 sensors, so the ground control team can monitor growth.

Astronauts growing their own food resources is vital to meet goals of establishing a human base on other planets or the Moon.

Running a marathon in space

Two to three hours of exercise daily is required for astronauts to maintain their health, but one astronaut took his workout to another level.

In 2016, British astronaut Tim Peake completed the fastest marathon in space. He gained a Guinness World Record for his efforts, finishing in three hours, 35-minutes and 21-seconds for the London Marathon.

The accomplishment came nine years after Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams ran a marathon in space for the Boston Marathon.

Both of them ran for hours on the space station’s treadmill.

First live Arabic-language tour of the ISS

Tours of the space station have been done in many languages – English, Russian, French, Italian and others.

But, it was only last year when the first Arabic-language tour was done by Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri.

The UAE's first astronaut, Maj Hazza Al Mansouri, takes part in a Q&A session from the International Space Station with an audience at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, in 2019. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The UAE's first astronaut, Maj Hazza Al Mansouri, takes part in a Q&A session from the International Space Station with an audience at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, in 2019. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, talks with Emirati astronaut Maj Hazza Al Mansouri, during a live satellite feed from the International Space Station. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, talks with Emirati astronaut Maj Hazza Al Mansouri, during a live satellite feed from the International Space Station. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
The Emirati astronaut takes questions from the audience gathered at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The Emirati astronaut takes questions from the audience gathered at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National
An aspiring young astronaut poses in front of a picture of the first Emirati in space, Maj Hazza Al Mansouri. Chris Whiteoak / The National
An aspiring young astronaut poses in front of a picture of the first Emirati in space, Maj Hazza Al Mansouri. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A woman films the Q&A session with Maj Hazza Al Mansouri from the International Space Station. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A woman films the Q&A session with Maj Hazza Al Mansouri from the International Space Station. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The audience at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre are delighted to hear from Maj Hazza Al Mansouri. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The audience at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre are delighted to hear from Maj Hazza Al Mansouri. Chris Whiteoak / The National
An aspiring young astronaut and her family at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre event. Chris Whiteoak / The National
An aspiring young astronaut and her family at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre event. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A young audience member celebrates the first Emirati in space. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A young audience member celebrates the first Emirati in space. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid talks to Maj Hazza Al Mansouri. Courtesy Dubai Media Office
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid talks to Maj Hazza Al Mansouri. Courtesy Dubai Media Office
Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri, during a live satellite feed from the International Space Station. Courtesy Dubai Media Office
Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri, during a live satellite feed from the International Space Station. Courtesy Dubai Media Office
Audience members at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre event sample space food. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Audience members at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre event sample space food. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Emirati astronaut Maj Hazza Al Mansouri gives his audience on Earth a tour of the International Space Station. Screengrab via Youtube Live
Emirati astronaut Maj Hazza Al Mansouri gives his audience on Earth a tour of the International Space Station. Screengrab via Youtube Live
Maj Hazza Al Mansouri demonstrates the effects of weightlessness. Screengrab via Youtube Live
Maj Hazza Al Mansouri demonstrates the effects of weightlessness. Screengrab via Youtube Live
Hazza Al Mansouri takes a live Q&A from space. He spent eight days on the International Space Station, in a mission from September 25 to October 3, 2019. Screengrab via Youtube Live
Hazza Al Mansouri takes a live Q&A from space. He spent eight days on the International Space Station, in a mission from September 25 to October 3, 2019. Screengrab via Youtube Live
Emirati astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, takes live Q&A from space and gives a station tour. Screengrab via Youtube Live
Emirati astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, takes live Q&A from space and gives a station tour. Screengrab via Youtube Live

The 36-year-old was the first Arab on the space station and went there for eight days.

The full video of his tour was released more than a month after he landed back on Earth.

Five more facts about ISS:

  • ISS can accommodate three to six astronauts comfortably, but it has held nine people at times - and once 13 during a crew changeover in 2009.
  • It travels fast, orbiting Earth 16 times in 24 hours
  • The station is often visible to humans on Earth because of its large solar panels
  • Astronauts have carried out more than 230 spacewalks, often to repair parts of the station
  • In 2019, Nasa astronaut Anne McClain was the first person accused of committing a crime in space, when her estranged spouse, Summer Worden, accused her of accessing a bank account without permission. It was later found to be a false claim
CHELSEA SQUAD

Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, Rudiger, Christensen, Silva, Chalobah, Sarr, Azpilicueta, James, Kenedy, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, Saul, Barkley, Ziyech, Pulisic, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Werner, Havertz, Lukaku. 

Top goalscorers in Europe

34 goals - Robert Lewandowski (68 points)

34 - Ciro Immobile (68)

31 - Cristiano Ronaldo (62)

28 - Timo Werner (56)

25 - Lionel Messi (50)

*29 - Erling Haaland (50)

23 - Romelu Lukaku (46)

23 - Jamie Vardy (46)

*NOTE: Haaland's goals for Salzburg count for 1.5 points per goal. Goals for Dortmund count for two points per goal.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Despacito's dominance in numbers

Released: 2017

Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon

Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube

Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification

Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.

Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards

On Women's Day
The bio

Job: Coder, website designer and chief executive, Trinet solutions

School: Year 8 pupil at Elite English School in Abu Hail, Deira

Role Models: Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk

Dream City: San Francisco

Hometown: Dubai

City of birth: Thiruvilla, Kerala

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Lamsa

Founder: Badr Ward

Launched: 2014

Employees: 60

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: EdTech

Funding to date: $15 million

While you're here
What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
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  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
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RESULT

Liverpool 4 Southampton 0
Jota (2', 32')
Thiago (37')
Van Dijk (52')

Man of the match: Diogo Jota (Liverpool)

If you go

The flights Etihad (www.etihad.com) and Spice Jet (www.spicejet.com) fly direct from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Pune respectively from Dh1,000 return including taxes. Pune airport is 90 minutes away by road. 

The hotels A stay at Atmantan Wellness Resort (www.atmantan.com) costs from Rs24,000 (Dh1,235) per night, including taxes, consultations, meals and a treatment package.
 

UAE squad

Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.

UAE tour of Zimbabwe

All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
E-cigarette report

Janet Yellen's Firsts

  • In 2014, she became the first woman to lead the US Federal Reserve 
  • In 1999, she became the first female chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers 
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Planes grounded by coronavirus

British Airways: Cancels all direct flights to and from mainland China 

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific: Cutting capacity to/from mainland China by 50 per cent from Jan. 30

Chicago-based United Airlines: Reducing flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong

Ai Seoul:  Suspended all flights to China

Finnair: Suspending flights to Nanjing and Beijing Daxing until the end of March

Indonesia's Lion Air: Suspending all flights to China from February

South Korea's Asiana Airlines,  Jeju Air  and Jin Air: Suspend all flights

The specs: 2018 Ford Mustang GT

Price, base / as tested: Dh204,750 / Dh241,500
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Power: 460hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque: 569Nm @ 4,600rpm​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Fuel economy, combined: 10.3L / 100km

EA Sports FC 26

Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021

Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.

Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.

Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.

Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.

Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.

Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.

Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”

Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI. 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome

'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness' 

   

 

Director: Sam Raimi

 

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg and Rachel McAdams

 

Rating: 3/5

 
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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