Emirates Launches Exclusive Interview with Astronaut Live from Space: A Conversation Beyond the Atmosphere
Setting the stage for an unprecedented entertainment experience, Emirates is taking its award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, to new heights – or rather, out of this world. In an extraordinary event, the esteemed Emirates World Channel is set to host a live interview with UAE astronaut Dr Sultan AlNeyadi, engaging in conversation about his extraordinary ‘inflight experience’ in space. From the vantage point of 400 kilometers above Earth’s surface, Dr AlNeyadi will offer insights into his journey from the International Space Station (ISS) as he gracefully hovers among the stars.
The cosmic encounter is slated to illuminate screens on 1 September 2023, coinciding with the commencement of Dr AlNeyadi’s return to Earth following a six-month scientific odyssey aboard the ISS. As the astronaut undertakes the 16-hour journey back home from space, a journey comparable in length to Emirates’ longest flight duration of 17 hours from Auckland to Dubai, the live interview promises to transcend the bounds of conventional programming.
Broadcast directly from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) Mission Control Centre, the interview unfolds through a groundbreaking space-to-ground communication link with NASA’s Houston headquarters. Conducted by Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Inflight Entertainment & Connectivity, Patrick Brannelly, the conversation voyages into uncharted territory. Dr AlNeyadi will share his experiences of inflight meals, connectivity with family, and onboard entertainment aboard the spacecraft. These experiences will be intriguingly paralleled with the Emirates passenger experience, offering a unique and celestial perspective on the wonders of in-flight offerings.
As the ISS orbits at a staggering altitude of 400 kilometers and a mind-boggling speed of 28,000 kilometers per hour, viewers will be treated to live footage capturing Dr AlNeyadi’s daily life in microgravity. From savoring coffee in a weightless environment to conducting groundbreaking experiments and engaging in his daily workout regime, the live feed offers a captivating window into the extraordinary world of space travel. The broadcast seamlessly alternates between awe-inspiring views of our planet and the astronaut’s compelling firsthand account.
Emirates’ profound connection with Dr AlNeyadi stems from his noteworthy journey as an Emirati astronaut and the first Arab to embark on a six-month mission to the ISS as part of Expedition 69. His significant feat also includes the distinction of being the first Arab astronaut to perform a spacewalk, marking a pivotal milestone in space exploration. This cosmic partnership between Emirates and one of the UAE’s national heroes culminates in the creation of historic content, underscoring the airline’s commitment to celebrating the nation’s achievements and fostering innovation.
Having debuted in 2003 with 500 channels, Emirates ice has continually elevated the inflight entertainment experience. Over the past two decades, the inflight entertainment system has evolved into a dazzling array of choices, boasting an impressive library of over 6,500 channels featuring Academy Award® winning films, a diverse selection of movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, and audiobooks in over 40 languages. However, the pièce de résistance is the exclusive interview conducted live from the cosmos, offering a perspective that truly transcends the limits of the sky.
Emirates ice’s foray into this celestial interview signifies a bold step towards innovation, reminding us that, for Emirates, even the sky is not the limit.
