Read the text below and write a short summary highlighting the main ideas.

(100-150 words)

The first sentence should introduce the source, state the main idea, and contain a citation. The remaining sentences should summarize the most important sub-points of the text.

You will be evaluated on your ability to:

• Introduce the source accurately
• Provide an accurate in-text citation
• Paraphrase the main idea and supporting points accurately
• Make effective use of reporting verbs/author tags to identify the purpose of the reading
• Edit your work for grammar and mechanics.

Summarize this text:

Emiratis in Space
Paragraph 1	The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced that 25 September 2019 will be the launch date of the first Emirati astronauts trip to the International Space Station (ISS). The announcement came during a press conference held by MBRSC that featured His Excellency Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of MBRSC, and Salem Al Marri, Assistant Director General for Scientific and Technical Affairs and Head of the UAE Astronaut Programme at MBRSC. Hazzaa Al Mansoori and Sultan Al Neyadi, the first two Emirati astronauts from the UAE Astronaut Programme, also attended the event.
Paragraph 2	The UAE Astronaut Programme was launched in 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to train and prepare Emirati astronauts to travel to space on various scientific missions.
Paragraph 3	Al Shaibani said one of the astronauts will fly to the ISS on Wednesday, 25 September 2019 for an eight-day Russian space mission aboard a Soyuz-MS 15 spacecraft and will travel back aboard a Soyuz-MS 12. The second astronaut will continue training for future missions. The two astronauts were selected among 4,022 applicants for the MBRSCs UAE Astronaut Programme, which was launched in 2017 to participate in global space exploration missions by 2021.
Paragraph 4	Announcing this date is a milestone and great achievement for the entire Arab region. For the first time, an Arab astronaut will travel to [the] ISS so that Arab youth can repeat the accomplishments of their ancestors who excelled in science and mathematics. This step also supports the aspirations of Emiratis, and their determination to achieve the vision of the UAEs leadership, and support the UAE in exploring space and preparing Emiratis to contribute to enriching scientific progress, serving humanity and promoting more achievements in the industry. This also supports the effort to build a national economy based on knowledge, innovation, and creativity, said Al Shaibani.
Paragraph 5	Al Marri noted that the date of the flight was postponed from April to September 2019 following a launch accident of the Soyuz-MS 10 spacecraft in October. "The astronauts safety is at the top of our list of priorities, so the date was postponed to 25 September. We are pleased that the mission will take place this year, despite the [difficulties] faced by our partners at the Russian space agency Roscosmos, said Al Marri.
Paragraph 6	This will be the first time an astronaut will present an introductory tour in Arabic at the ISS. In the tour, he will explain the parts of the station, its equipment, and methods of doing experiments in zero gravity. The astronaut will be completing earth observation and imaging experiences, interacting with ground stations, sharing information and experiences, as well as recording the daily lives of astronauts at the station. The astronaut will conduct research in various fields to be shared with the international scientific community to show the effect of zero gravity on research experiments, compared to gravity on Earth. For example, research will [include the measurement of physical human body vital signs at the ISS, in comparison with Earth, before and after the trip. This is the first time this kind of research will be done by an astronaut from the Arab region. The results of this study will later be compared with research conducted on astronauts from other regions.
Paragraph 7	ISS is one of the most unique human innovations ever created. The use of space science and technology on the space station has enabled scientists and astronauts to complete ground-breaking research that would not be possible on Earth. ISS is in a fixed low Earth orbit and travels at 28,000 km/hour, which means it takes just 90 minutes to complete an entire orbit of our planet. An international crew of six people call ISS their home at any one time, spending several hours each per week, conducting in-depth research across various disciplines, ranging from space and physical sciences to biological and earth sciences, from the microgravity laboratory. Since the year 2000, the space station has been continually occupied, with over 220 people spending time there from 17 countries. Now, for the first time, an Emirati will join the crew on the space station, which will further cement the position of the UAE among the top space nations in the world. Source: Adapted from First Emirati astronaut to step into space on Sept. 25. (n.d.). Retrieved 19 June 2019.