Dubai – UAE: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) today announced that astronaut Mohammad AlMulla has completed the two-week CAVES training programme organised by the European Space Agency (ESA) in Molise and Campania, Italy, alongside an international crew of astronauts from ESA, JAXA and NASA.

CAVES, short for Cooperative Adventure for Valuing and Exercising human behaviour and performance Skills, prepares astronauts to work safely and effectively as a team under exploration conditions that resemble those of space missions. The training included technical lectures, outdoor activities, and a multi-day expedition underground where the crew lived and worked in complete isolation.

Over the course of the training, AlMulla and his fellow astronauts learned techniques for subterranean exploration, mapping and scientific research, while also strengthening skills in communication, leadership, stress management and decision-making. The environment provided conditions similar to spaceflight, including isolation from the outside world, lack of diurnal cycles, confinement, minimal privacy, technical challenges, limited equipment and supplies for hygiene and comfort, and the constant presence of risk.

By completing CAVES training, AlMulla has gained valuable experience that will support future missions and enhance international collaboration in space exploration.

For Media Queries:
MBRSC Media Team - mbrsc@quillmena.com

ABOUT MOHAMMED BIN RASHID SPACE CENTRE (MBSRC):

MBRSC is an advanced scientific and technological hub, responsible for making the UAE a world leader in space services and exploration.

Starting with a small team of dedicated engineers in 2006, MBRSC has grown into the incubator of the UAE National Space Programme, fostering scientific research, and building a sustainable space sector in the UAE. MBRSC is home to the Satellite Development Programme, UAE Astronaut Programme, and Emirates Lunar Mission, among others. Under its satellite programme, the Centre has built, developed, and operated several Earth observation satellites, including DubaiSat-1; DubaiSat-2; KhalifaSat, the first satellite that was fully built by Emiratis; MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region and Etihad-SAT, the Centre’s first SAR satellite.

Under the UAE Astronaut Programme, MBRSC currently has four astronauts, two of who have undertaken missions to the International Space Station, including the longest Arab space mission in history by H.E. Dr. Sultan Saif AlNeyadi.