First Emirati in Space - MBRSC
The United States launched a three-man spacecraft toward the moon on July 16, 1969 with the goal of landing 2 astronaut explorers on the lunar surface four days later.
Commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin landed the Apollo 11 Lunar Module Eagle on July 20, 1969.
This successful mission accomplished mankind’s dream of walking on another celestial body.
50 years on, inspired by this mission, in a licensed collaboration with NASA, Montegrappa has reproduced the iconic Saturn V rocket, interpreted as a writing instrument made in a three-dimensional effect of the rocket body’s First, Second and Third “stages”.
This year, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing, Montegrappa has issued a special collection with the design being approved by NASA. The Moon Landing collection consists of 53 pens in solid 18k gold and titanium, and 473 pens in resin and sterling silver and arrives in an enclosure in the form of an Apollo 11 capsule in a special collector’s display case.
The year 2019, as well as being the Year of Tolerance, also marks the year of the first Emirati in space – a programme managed and executed by Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, founded in 2006, is home to the UAE National Space Programme. The Centre builds and operates earth observation satellites, offering imaging and data analysis services to clients around the world. The Centre launched DubaiSat-1, DubaiSat-2, and recently launched KhalifaSat on 29 October 2018 from Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. KhalifaSat was developed 100% in the UAE by a team of highly qualified Emirati engineers. The Centre is responsible for the development of the Emirates Mars Mission and the Mars Hope Probe, a mission to reach Mars orbit by 2021 and gather key science data about Mars’ atmosphere, as well as the UAE Astronaut Programme and the development of the Mars 2117 vision to build a human colony on Mars.
MBRSC aims towards creating new generations of Emirati experts, engineers and researchers to hold leadership roles in establishing a knowledge-based economy. MBRSC has worked on achieving the UAE National Innovation Strategy and looks forward to positioning the UAE amongst the most innovative countries in the world in the space sector. The centre has supported national plans to contribute to the progress of humanity and build a better world.
On September 25, 2019 UAE Astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori was launched to International Space Station making him the first Emirati in space
With this mission, and its quest for knowledge and learning, MBRSC has taken a leap into the future, while writing a new chapter in the history of the UAE.
Montegrappa is marking this significant event in the history of the UAE by creating a one-of-a-kind fountain pen dedicated to MBRSC. The design of the pen is based on the Moonlanding Limited Edition inspired by the ‘Saturn V’, however this unique piece features a UAE flag, the letters ‘UAE’ on the barrel, and the logo of MBRSC on the cap. The nib is adorned with a portrait of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose vision of the future of the UAE has made this possible.
“The leadership of the visionary leaders of the UAE has helped Montegrappa thrive in this region and we have always shown our gratitude in the form of special editions of writing instruments themed around various elements of this country. In 2017 we launched the ‘Ishy Bilady’ collection celebrating the country’s National Anthem, and last year we launched the ‘Year of Zayed’ pen celebrating the founding father’s life, work and vision of prosperity, tolerance and peace. With this special pen made for MBRSC, we at Montegrappa celebrate the UAE’s first step into space and a leap into the future” said Charles Nahhas, Montegrappa’s Middle East Distributor.
Speaking of this gesture from Montegrappa, Salem AL Marri Assistant DG at MBRSC said: “We are delighted to recieve this special memento from Montegrappa which reminds us that everything we are able to acheive comes from the vision of our great leaders to create a country in which we value education, scientific exploration and push the limits of human progress. Mankind’s ability to reason, to write and pass our learnings and values through generations is at the core of this philosophy.
In the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
‘The pen and knowledge are mightier than all other powers’.
This unique pen is not for sale. It has been presented to the MBRSC to be displayed at the space center.
However, due to the overwhelmingly positive response and demand for this special piece, Montegrappa has created a very exclusive production run for special collectors, in a rollerball design, and without some of the key elements of the unique version.
The special collectors' edition pen can now be pre-ordered at the Montegrappa boutique in The Dubai Mall or by sending an inquiry to info@montegrappa.me
Montegrappa Moon Landing Collection is now available for sale at the Dubai Mall Boutique and online.