After winning a unique competition, two university students from the United Arab Emirates are thrilled that their original composition will be launched and webcast aboard the International Space Station (ISS) alongside works by prominent musicians.

Summer Reid and Nadine Kabbani, students at New York University, are the winners of the first-ever ASTROBEAT - Music from orbit competition. This programme gives students the unique chance to have their musical compositions sent into orbit on a SpaceX rocket.
Keep abreast on the most recent developments. On WhatsApp Channels, follow KT.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Nadine stated, "I squealed with delight when I saw the email informing me that I had won." The Emirati, who double majors in music and legal studies at the New York University of Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), submitted an experimental piece called "No Gravity" that combines classical instruments and synthesisers to create a soundscape reminiscent of the future. "For this piece, I really pushed myself to create something space-worthy; usually, I create pieces that heavily rely on the piano and other classical instruments."
Reid, an American student, won first place with his moving entry, "Little Brooks," which drew inspiration from a very special family gathering. The song effectively conveys the value of family ties, the necessity of going back to one's roots, and the necessity of encouraging those who lack the willpower to stand up for themselves.

"Surreal" encounter
Reid, a senior at NYU Steinhardt earning a bachelor's degree in music business, has visited NYUAD. "I'm incredibly appreciative of this opportunity and proud of this song." Having my voice float over the International Space Station is truly a dream come true, as my childhood desire was to become an astronaut. I'm ecstatic to have this chance," she exclaimed.

Nadine acknowledged that her friends had helped her advance. "I was going to submit something at one point that I wasn't really happy with because I was just so tired of reworking it so much," the woman stated. My two closest pals, though, refused to allow me. They encouraged me to keep working on it until I was satisfied. Thus, as soon as I found out I had won, I contacted them first.

Her mother didn't think she was telling the truth when she later contacted her relatives to share the news. "She laughed and asked what I wanted when I told her I won," the woman recalled. But she was ecstatic when I persuaded her that I had truly prevailed.
She arranged a modest celebration with a small cake for me when I returned home from Abu Dhabi that weekend because I reside in Dubai. It was the most adorable thing.

The Space Upstream Programme of the Malta Council for Science & Technology is funding the ASTROBEAT project. Through its Space Act Agreement with NASA's US National Lab, Nanoracks provides the potential for ISS payloads. Leonardo Barilaro, Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering at MCAST, is in charge of the project. The Centre for Astrophysics and Space Science's director, Andrea Macciò, was the driving force behind and provided support for the partnership with NYUAD.

The Space Pianist, Leonardo Barilaro, claimed that the competition elevated space art to a "new level" and offered pupils a unique chance.

He remarked, "Listening to so many excellent submissions was fantastic." For the students, this is an incredibly rare chance. Along with my music, which I've collaborated on with Grammy-nominated cellist Tina Guo and famous producer Steve Mazzaro, their songs will be transmitted from space alongside Carlos Guedes' music.
Carlos Guedes, an associate professor of music at NYUAD, expressed the university's pride in serving as the competition's inaugural host. "NYUAD's dedication to promoting art through innovative projects is demonstrated by this collaboration with MCAST, in addition to showcasing the extraordinary talents of our students," he stated. "It is an incredible accomplishment to witness our students' works put into orbit, and we are thrilled to be a part of this special marriage of music and space exploration."