Sending humans on a trip to another world might perhaps be the ultimate achievement for a space program. But those trips are deadly, and it takes several years of training make a safe landing. Well, certainly, being an astronaut is no walk in the park! However, nothing has stopped women from marching towards their dreams, with their heads held high.
Vatika and Curly Tales salute such women and the others out there who just need a little push to conquer the world. Vatika proudly presents to you ‘Vatika Voices’, a campaign that sheds light on women who fought all obstacles and made their dreams come true.
The UAE has not shied away from encouraging women in chasing their dreams. Recently, the country took a new step towards global leadership in the field of space exploration. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, announced the names of the two new Emirati astronauts who will form the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme. Among them, is the first female Arab astronaut- Nora Al Matrooshi.
As A Child, Nora Enjoyed Star Gazing & Lessons About Space
On Saturday, April 10, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates announced to his Twitter community the two winners selected to participate in the next Arab space mission, a decision taken after a strict 7-step selection process and among 4305 candidates.
We announce the first Arab female astronaut, among two new astronauts, selected from over 4,000 candidates to be trained with NASA for future space exploration missions. Congratulations Noura Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla. pic.twitter.com/bfyquyzqAJ
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 10, 2021
As of today, only 65 women across the world have been in space, and Nora Al Matrooshi, is on the path to becoming the 66th. The 28-year old was chosen from over 4,000 applicants and is set to begin training with the Nasa astronaut’s programme. Born in 1993, Al Matrooshi had a passion for space and astronomy from a very early age. She enjoyed going to stargazing events as a child. Lessons about space were her favorite in school. She carried this passion forward and dreamt of becoming the first Emirati astronaut.
Nora holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from United Arab Emirates University and is also a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Her career accomplishments include managing engineering projects for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Nora was also the vice president of the Youth Council for three consecutive years at the National Petroleum Construction Company.
Excelling in mathematics and engineering, Nora also ranked first in the UAE’s 2011 Math Olympiad. An engineer at the National Petroleum Construction Company, Nora was also the vice president of the company’s youth council for five years. She has a long record of volunteering work and distinction in the field of science.
Nora’s draws inspiration from Neil Armstrong, the first human to walk on the Moon. She lives by the motto of ‘Do what makes you happy.’ Speaking about her dreams, Nora admits she wants to elevate the country’s name and put UAE in the highest spot in the field of space exploration.
On a personal level, Al Matrooshi aspires to develop the space sector in the UAE further and ultimately land on the Moon on board an Emirati spacecraft.