9 March 2024
In a significant milestone for space exploration and gender diversity, Nora AlMatrooshi, a 30-year-old Muslim Hijab-clad astronaut, has become the first Arab woman to graduate from NASA’s rigorous astronaut training program. With her eyes set on lunar exploration, AlMatrooshi’s journey represents a significant step forward for both the United Arab Emirates and the broader Arab world in the realm of space exploration.
AlMatrooshi’s fascination with space began in her childhood, inspired by a simulated lunar surface experience conducted by her elementary school teacher. This early encounter ignited her passion for space exploration, eventually leading her to pursue a career as a mechanical engineer in the oil industry before being selected by the United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAESA) to join NASA’s astronaut training program in 2021.
Over the course of two years, AlMatrooshi, alongside her fellow Emirati astronaut Mohammad AlMulla and 10 other candidates, underwent intensive training that included simulated spacewalks and mission preparations. Now, fully qualified astronauts, they are poised to participate in NASA missions to the International Space Station (ISS), Artemis launches to the Moon, and potentially even missions to Mars.
AlMatrooshi’s aspirations extend beyond personal achievement; she aims to push the boundaries of human exploration, advocating for humanity’s return to the Moon and endeavors beyond. Her determination reflects a broader ambition within the UAE’s space program to contribute to the advancement of space exploration on a global scale.
Notably, AlMatrooshi’s journey is marked by her commitment to her Muslim faith, exemplified by her decision to wear a hijab. NASA accommodated her religious practices by developing a customized solution, allowing her to wear a hijab beneath the agency’s iconic white space suit. AlMatrooshi’s inclusion in the space program serves as a testament to the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the field of space exploration.
While AlMatrooshi is the first Arab woman to graduate from NASA’s training program, she joins a cohort of Arab women who have made significant contributions to space exploration. These include Saudi biomedical researcher Rayyanah Barnawi, who flew to the ISS last year, and Egyptian-Lebanese engineer Sara Sabry, who participated in a Blue Origin suborbital flight in 2022.
Looking ahead, AlMatrooshi’s achievements foreshadow a future where diversity and representation are integral to the exploration of space. As NASA prepares for the Artemis 3 mission, scheduled to return humans to the lunar surface in 2026, AlMatrooshi’s pioneering spirit embodies the spirit of exploration that drives humanity’s quest for knowledge and discovery.
