First Arab woman to graduate NASA training shoots for the Moon

Nora AlMatrooshi, an Emirati astronaut, fulfilled her childhood dream of reaching for the stars by becoming the first Arab woman to graduate from NASA’s training program. Inspired by a childhood simulation of a lunar surface, she embarked on a journey that led her to become a fully qualified astronaut after two years of rigorous training. With her mechanical engineering background, AlMatrooshi is poised to join missions to the International Space Station, the Moon, and potentially Mars. Despite challenges, including the need to wear a hijab, she remains determined to push humanity’s boundaries in space exploration, carrying on the legacy of Muslim scholars and scientists who paved the way for her journey.