Saudi space mission to launch on May 21, crew includes first Arab woman at ISS

The launch of the Saudi mission to space is scheduled for May 21.

On this day, Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab Muslim female astronaut, and Ali AlQarni, will travel to the International Space Station, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The mission is part of the kingdom’s astronauts’ programme, which was launched on September 22 last year.

The mission represents Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in space research and is part of the goals of Vision 2030.

Saudi Astronauts’ Mission to Space Will Launch on the 21st of May, 2023.https://t.co/INlCcRSodx#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/kHoyB3Ef1T

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) May 14, 2023

The astronauts will conduct 14 scientific experiments in microgravity that will help scientists and researchers devise new ways to provide suitable conditions for humans to further explore space.

The results will advance the kingdom’s global position in space exploration, with the ultimate aim of better serving humanity. It will support Saudi research centres and will have a scientific impact on future space exploration.

The astronauts will also conduct three educational awareness experiments with 12,000 Saudi students via live feed.

The mission, once accomplished, places the kingdom as one of the few countries that will have had two astronauts simultaneously on board the International Space Station. Its success will enhance the kingdom’s global position within the field of space exploration and service to humanity.

It will represent a milestone for the Saudi astronaut programme. The programme is designed to prepare future astronauts and engineers for space through quality educational and training programmes, participation in scientific experiments, international research and future space-related missions, achieving the goals of Vision 2030.

Read: Saudi to send its first female astronaut to space this year