Staying connected with your kids while working in a career that can’t involve them can be a challenge. UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, however, found a heartwarming way to bridge the gap while he was aboard the International Space Station.
Through an event called “A Call from Space,” he virtually engaged with his sons, Abdalla and Rashid, sharing insights about his job and life beyond Earth.
During the video call event in Umm Al Quwain, Abdalla posed a poignant question, asking his father about his favorite aspect of Earth. Dr. Al Neyadi’s touching response was, “What I love most about Earth is my family.”
He went on to describe the wonders of microgravity in space and even demonstrated it by floating and turning upside down.
Rashid had his own curiosity, inquiring whether his dad would bring back any souvenirs from space. Dr. Al Neyadi assured him that he would return the special items his son had given him for the journey and mentioned bringing home a stuffed toy named Suhail, the mascot of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.
The “A Call from Space” initiative has created numerous opportunities for connection in the Emirates, attracting thousands of attendees who are eager to hear about life in space firsthand.
As Sultan Al Neyadi shared his experiences with his sons and a wider audience, he managed to bring the wonders of his astronaut life closer to home.