The Country Is Crossing The Ukraine War, Russian And US Crews Compactly Give Surprise To UAE Astronauts In Space

JAKARTA - United States and Russian crews have compactly given a birthday surprise to their colleagues on the International Space Station (ISS), although the two countries are at odds over the war in Ukraine.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi was surprised by the birthday cake and other treats by his colleagues on the ISS.Dr. Al Neyadi's 42nd birthday on Tuesday, spending part of the day celebrating with two Saudi Arabian astronauts and eight other crew members.

He also made direct calls with relatives and his students in his hometown, Al Ain, where he spoke about his longing for food prepared by his mother.

"Celebrating my first birthday in space with my colleagues who have become a family!", tweeted Dr. Al Neyadi on Thursday, accompanied by celebratory photos, reported The National News 25

"Today's spotlight? Cinnamon topping cake from the United States crew, cinnamon bread with yogurt and dried fruit from the Russian crew, ending with a happy birthday in Arabic," he wrote.

"It's a really celebration that challenges gravity!", said Dr. Al Neyadi.

Celebrated my 1st birthday 🎂 in space with colleagues who have become family! Highlight of the day? A Maple Muffin top cake from the USA crew, a Cinnamon Bun with yoghurt and dry fruits from Russian crew, topped off with wishes in Arabic. Truly a gravity-defying celebration! 😃 pic.twitter.com/gcDBmCHxXB

— Sultan AlNeyadi (@Astro_Alneyadi) May 25, 2023

Celebrated my 1st birthday in space with colleges who have received family! Highlight of the day? A Maple say top cake from the USA crew, a Cinnamon Bun with yogurt and dry fruit from Russian crew, topped off with wishes in Arabic. Truly a gravity-defying celebration! pic.twitter.com/gcDBmCHxXB

No wax or fire is used, as it would endanger safety. Instead they use 'borry'.

Despite limited choice of food in space, astronauts can bring some traditional food. The cargo recharging mission also keeps the ISS kitchen occupied.

However, it is likely that the food is dehydrated, meaning all the water has been extracted.

This is because the water is heavy and will take too much weight on the spacecraft, as well as too much storage space on the ISS.

The astronauts add water to their food packages or heat them back so they can be eaten.

It is known, food on the ISS has increased over the years, thanks to the new oven installed two years ago.

Astronauts have roasted cakes and used station-grown vegetables as part of their diet.

It is not clear whether the cakes and cinnamon bread cooked for Dr. Al Neyadi were brought from Earth, or roasted on the ISS.

Dr. Al Neyadi himself arrived at the ISS on March 3 for a six-month science mission. He has taken part in science experiments and also made his first space trip by Arab astronauts, when he came out for seven-hour maintenance duty.

He joined two Saudi Arabian astronauts Rayynah Barnawi and Ali Al Qarni, as well as two Americans on May 22, who arrived the day before his birthday.