The 41-year-old UAE emirati astronaut Sultan al-Neyadi will be the first Arab astronaut to spend six months in space. He claimed that it is not compulsory to fast during Ramadan when you are on a space mission. As this is travel or journey so indirectly one can skip fast in Ramadan. He will set off for the International Space Station (ISS) on February 26 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as a member of SpaceX Dragon Crew-6.
Asked at a press conference Wednesday how he will observe the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims typically fast from dawn to sunset, Neyadi said his situation falls under an exception.
What is NASA’s SpaceX Falcon 9 crew 6 launch date?
The launch of NASA’s SpaceX Falcon 9 crew 6 is going to be on Feb. 26, 2023, from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A. Along with NASA’s Stephen Bowen and Warren Hoburg, and Russia’s Andrey Fedyaev, Sultan al-Neyadi will fly to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission will be of 180 days.
Who will be in NASA’s SpaceX Falcon 9 crew 6?
There will be four members of the crew.
- Stephen Bowen from the United States will be acting as Spacecraft commander.
- Warren Hoburg also from the United States will be acting as the Pilot.
- Sultan Al Neyadi from the United Arab Emirati astronaut
- Andrey Fedyae from Russia will be acting as the First spaceflight.
Will Neyadi be fasting in Ramadan on ISS?
On Wednesday at Houston (Web Desk), Emirati astronaut Sultan Al-Neyadi said that he won’t be fasting during Ramadan. He said so because a Muslim can skip fast during travel. Neyadi will be in the definition of a traveler. So he doesn’t need to fast even during Ramadan. He said:
“I’m in… the definition of a traveler, and we can breakfast,” Neyadi said. “It’s not compulsory.”
“Fasting is not compulsory if you’re… feeling not well,” he said.
“So in that regard, anything that can jeopardize the mission, or maybe put the crew members a risk, we’re allowed to eat sufficient food.”
The Emirati Astronaut, alongside NASA astronauts and Russian cosmonauts at the Johnson Space Center, discussed the ISS mission. When asked about potential Earthly political tensions, like those involving Ukraine, affecting space activities, their insights were sought.
Emirati Astronaut: NASA veteran Bowen, with three space shuttle missions under his belt, reflects on over 20 years collaborating with cosmonauts. He notes the awe-inspiring nature of this experience, highlighting, “In space, it’s one crew, one vehicle, all with the same goal.
The Emirati astronaut emphasized, “The exemplary lifestyle aboard the International Space Station serves as a remarkable model for how individuals should lead their lives on Earth. The experiences of astronauts in space provide valuable insights into fostering a positive and sustainable way of living.
Lastly, as a timely reminder, on February 26, the Emirati Astronaut, along with three fellow astronauts, will embark on the ISS mission.
