Saudi Arabia sends its first female astronauts to space

The mission will send astronauts to the International Space Station.

It’s one giant leap for Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has announced that it is sending its first female astronauts to space. We are buzzing with excitement, as Rayyanah Barnawi and Mariam Fardous are headed straight for the International Space Station. 

So far, we know that the mission will take place in the second quarter of this year. The pair will join the crew of AX-2 space mission, which launches from the United States. The additional crew members include Ali Al Qarni and Ali Al-Ghamdi. Plus, the mission aims to empower national capabilities in spaceflight and contribute to scientific research across health, space technology and sustainability.

Here’s what we know about Saudi Arabia’s female astronauts. Mariam is 38 years old and an epidemiology physician. She graduated from King Albulaziz University and Missouri State University, and has 13 years of experience in the medical field. Rayyanah is 33 years old and a research laboratory specialist. She graduated from Otago University and Alfaisal University, and has nine years of experience in cancer stem stell research. 

As Saudi Arabia sends astronauts to space, it highlights the kingdom’s competitiveness on a global scale. The International Space Station was created in 1998, and is the largest modular space station in low orbit. The space agencies include the United States’ NASA, Russia’s Roscosmos, Japan’s JAXA, Europe’s ESA, and Canada’s CSA. Few countries have two astronauts of the same nationality aboard the International Space Station at the same time. 

The initiative has been led by the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Sport, General Authority of Civil Aviation and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, in addition to Axiom Space.

Good luck, Mariam and Rayyanah. 

GO: Visit https://ssc.gov.sa for more information.