Saudi astronauts Rayana Barnawi, the first female Saudi astronaut, and Ali Al-Qarni, also the first Saudi astronaut, will launch to the International Space Station (ISS) on May 21, in a scientific mission representing a historic event for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and marking a new era in the country’s space endeavors. The Saudi Space Authority views this mission as part of the national astronaut program, launched on September 22, 2022, which includes conducting 14 pioneering scientific research experiments in a microgravity environment. These experiments aim to provide answers that could enable humanity by expanding health research and protecting Earth through scientific experiments, some of which will be conducted for the first time in the world aboard the station.
The Authority noted that the research results will enhance Saudi Arabia's global standing in space exploration and service to humanity, reaffirming the role of Saudi research centers in making an impact in priority areas such as health, sustainability, and space technology, contributing to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
It is noteworthy that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz had welcomed the Saudi astronauts and wished them success in their scientific mission and a safe return to their homeland, highlighting the "great hopes placed upon them as ambassadors and representatives of the nation at the International Space Station."
This mission positions the Kingdom as one of the few countries in the world capable of sending astronauts of the same nationality to the International Space Station at the same time, as part of the national astronaut program aimed at building domestic capacities in scientific space missions and benefiting from the promising opportunities presented by the global space sector and industry.
