The Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC), operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication, and Innovation, signed a Framework Agreement with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in January 2023 in view of developing new projects and programs in the space/satellite fields. 

In the context of this Framework Agreement, the MRIC and the MBRSC are jointly hosting a live conversation between the Emirati astronaut Dr Sultan Al Nevadi (who is currently on board the ISS) and students of the Republic of Mauritius. This a unique event where Mauritian and Rodriguan students will interact live with the Emirati astronaut from ISS. The event will be held on the Thursday 11th of May 2023 at the Sir Harilal Vaghjee Hall at Port-Louis as from 14:30. During this unique event, Mauritian students aged between 13 and 17 from secondary schools around Mauritius and in Rodrigues will get a chance to ask questions to the astronaut live.  

The Emirati astronaut Dr Sultan AlNeyadi is on the International Space Station since March 2023 and performed a spacewalk on the 28th April 2023. He is the second Emirati and Arab Astronaut onboard the orbiting science laboratory. During his 6-months mission, the longest by an Arab astronaut, Dr Sultan AlNeyadi will carry out scientific experiments and perform a spacewalk. 

15 Mauritian Students11 Mauritian Students from public and private schools across Mauritius and one student from Rodrigues will have the chance to ask questions to the Emirati astronaut about life on board the International Space Station, the daily activities, the scientific experiments being conducted and the challenges of living in space. The conversation will last for around 20 minutes and will be attended by 250 students from 58 schools and Universities in Mauritius. The event will also be followed online by 80 students from secondary schools in Rodrigues. The conversation will be livestreamed on NASA TV channel on Youtube and the MRIC Youtube Channel. 

The MBRSC and MRIC hope that this event will ignite a passion for space activities and foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, and exploration among Mauritian students. The aim is to encourage the young Mauritian minds who are space enthusiasts to dream big and pursue their ambitions in the realm of space and beyond, thus paving the way for future Mauritian Space Scientists. 

The Acting President of the Republic of Mauritius, H.E. Mr. Marie Cyril Eddy Boissézon, G.O.S.K. will be the Chief Guest for the event. The Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation and other Cabinet Ministers will also attend the event. 

H.E. Dr Salem AlMarri, Director General of the MBRSC, along with a delegation comprising senior officials of the MBRSC will also attend the event. 

The event promises to be an unforgettable experience for space enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning more about the ISS and space. 

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Visit spacemauritius.com for more details.