Commercial Astronaut Training Programme Announced in Ras Al Khaimah

A commercial astronaut training programme has been announced in Ras Al Khaimah through a partnership between Action Flight Aviation and BLINC Space.

The initiative, unveiled in the presence of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, is positioned as the UAE’s first programme of its kind, offering astronaut-style training experiences designed for private participants, corporate groups, and visitors.

The programme will include high-performance aviation training, G-force conditioning, aerobatic flight operations, parachute and freefall preparation, and concepts for zero-gravity training. Participants will train in controlled airborne environments that simulate aspects of spaceflight, including launch and re-entry conditions, spatial disorientation, and high-pressure decision-making.

Under the agreement, Action Flight Aviation will operate the airborne training and aviation components in Ras Al Khaimah under approvals from the General Civil Aviation Authority, while BLINC Space will oversee programme design, curriculum development, and international partnerships.

Initial experiences are expected to launch in the second half of 2026, including G-force training, aerobatic flight sessions, and introductory space-readiness activities. Future phases are planned to expand into multi-day training programmes, advanced free-fall systems, fast-jet experiences, and zero-gravity parabolic flights.