First Emirati astronaut prepares to enter space

Hazzaa Al Mansoori has joined the two other astronauts that he'll accompany to the International Space Station.

It comes as preparations for the September 25 launch reach an advanced stage.

Al Mansoori was selected earlier this year to become the first Emirati to go into space.

Sultan Al Neyadi was named as his backup.

Over the next three months, the team will train together in Russia as they prepare for the historic eight-day mission.

Only 100 days left until the launch of the first Emirati Astronaut, Hazzaa AlMansoori (@astro_hazzaa) aboard the Soyuz MS-15. #UAEAstronauts Show your excitement in the comment below! pic.twitter.com/wUogKMG7FK

— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) June 17, 2019