New SpaceX launch date set after Sultan Al Neyadi mission postponed


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Nasa has set a new launch date for the SpaceX rocket carrying Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi after Monday's blast-off was postponed.

The Crew-6 mission from Cape Canaveral to the International Space Station is provisionally scheduled for 9.34am UAE time on Thursday.

The mission on Monday was called off at 10.42am UAE time — two and a half minutes before the Falcon 9 rocket's engines were due to ignite.

Nasa and SpaceX said there was an issue with ground systems, which they are investigating.

Officials said the weather in Florida on Tuesday is not expected to be favourable, hence the delay.

The new launch plan is subject to the technical issues being resolved, the space agency said.

“I’m proud of the Nasa and SpaceX teams’ focus and dedication to keeping Crew-6 safe”, said Nasa Administrator Bill Nelson.

“Human space flight is an inherently risky endeavour and, as always, we will fly when we are ready.”

Engineers have a narrow window for missions to ensure that the rocket has a short and safe journey from Earth to ISS, which is 400km above sea level.

The crew of four — Russia's Andrey Fedyaev, Nasa's Warren Hoburg and Stephen Bowen, and Dr Al Neyadi — remained on the rocket for about two hours after the launch was called off, or “scrubbed” in Nasa terms, while fuel was pumped out.

They safely got off the Dragon capsule that is attached to the rocket.

Mission call-offs are common in the space industry, though scrapping a flight so close to blast-off is relatively rare.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, delivered a message of support to Dr Al Neyadi and his fellow astronauts after their mission was delayed.

“The launch has been postponed, yet our ambitions remain high”, Sheikh Hamdan wrote on Twitter.

“Wishing a safe and successful mission to Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi and the entire Crew-6 team”.

Dr Al Neyadi will spend six months aboard the ISS in what will be the Arab world's longest space mission.

He shared an uplifting message on social media on Monday morning, before lift-off was postponed.

“On this planet, I leave behind everyone I love and take off to space … I leave behind a country that has forged its way to stars and lit its path with Zayed’s Ambition …

“I leave you all behind until we meet again from space … Your brother, Sultan Al Neyadi”.

The UAE's latest space traveller received an outpouring of support from across the Emirates.

On Sunday, he spoke to President Sheikh Mohamed, who wished him well as he prepared to etch his name in the record books.

“Everyone is excited and waiting for this historic moment, your Highness”, Dr Al Neyadi told the President in a video conversation shared by news agency Wam.

“As science continues to progress and develop, God willing, the UAE will leave an important mark on this mission.”

Sheikh Mohamed said: “May God protect you wherever you may be and may you return safe and sound. We are looking forward to your return.”

Dr Al Neyadi was the first of two astronauts selected by the UAE in 2018.

His colleague Hazza Al Mansouri became the first Emirati in space the following year.

Maj Al Mansouri spent eight days aboard the International Space Station.

Both have been training since then around the world, including in Russia, parts of Europe, Canada and Japan, and have completed Nasa's basic astronaut training programme.

Dr Al Neyadi will be carrying out 19 science experiments for various UAE universities, several other experiments assigned by Nasa and doing maintenance work on the ISS, including a possible spacewalk.

In May, he will be joined by two Saudi astronauts, including the first Arab woman in space. Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni are heading to the ISS for a 10-day trip.

Dr Al Neyadi said last Tuesday that flying on the mission will be a “privilege”.

“I can't believe that this is really happening and you only realise that when you fly by the launch pad where you see the preparations,” he said.

“It's becoming real. So, we can't thank enough everybody that helped and prepared us for this mission.

“I think we are ready physically, mentally and technically. And we can't wait to launch to space and conduct the mission.”

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Tickets for the 2019 Asian Cup are available online, via www.asiancup2019.com

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Centre Court

Starting at 10am:

Lucrezia Stefanini v Elena Rybakina (6)

Aryna Sabalenka (4) v Polona Hercog

Sofia Kenin (1) v Zhaoxuan Yan

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Arantxa Rus v Xiyu Wang

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A foster couple or family must:

  • be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
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  • be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
  • have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
  • undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
  • A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
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The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


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1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

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Singapore

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8 traditional Jamaican dishes to try at Kingston 21

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D - C Palace, 2-2
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L - Brighton, 2-1
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Sole survivors
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  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
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Updated: February 27, 2023, 2:48 PM`