Washington, 23 May 2023 (GNP): On Monday, a SpaceX capsule boarded by two Saudi astronauts safely docked with the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a private mission chartered by Axiom Space.
The SpaceX rocket successfully completed its 16-hour journey to ISS, which is located 250 miles above the Earth’s surface.
The second all-private astronaut mission has lifted off! Go #Ax2 #TeamAxiom https://t.co/KXNhuv0LSk
— Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) May 21, 2023
Following the first private expedition in April 2022, the Ax-2 mission is the second entirely private mission to ISS.
The Ax-2 crew will conduct about 20 experiments during their ten-day stay, contributing to scientific research and advancements.
Ali Al-Qarni, a highly accomplished fighter pilot, and Rayyanah Barnawi, a distinguished scientist who created history as the first Saudi woman astronaut, proudly represent their nation as they set off on their remarkable adventure to the orbiting station.
In a recent news conference, the excitement and honor of being the first Saudi woman astronaut were evident as Barnawi expressed her joy stating, “Being the first Saudi woman astronaut, representing the region, it’s a great pleasure and honor that I’m very happy to carry.”
She also emphasized the necessity of motivating future generations, saying, “Being able to see their faces when they see astronauts from their own region for the first time is very thrilling.”
Al-Qarni expressed gratitude for having the chance to realize his dreams and said, “It is a great opportunity for me to pursue this kind of passion that I have, and now… fly among the stars.”
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Peggy Whitson, the mission’s commander, and a veteran NASA astronaut, praised the trip as a “lovely ride” and expressed surprise at how smoothly the docking went down, stating, “It was the softest docking I’ve ever felt.”
Two hours after docking, the capsule opened, allowing the four Saudi astronauts to enter the ISS, where they joined the existing seven astronauts, including three Russians, three Americans, and an Emirati.
The Ax-2 mission serves Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a revolutionary reform initiative designed to diversify the nation’s economy, lessen reliance on oil, and provide job opportunities for young Saudis.
Significant efforts have been taken by Saudi Arabia in its pursuit of space exploration and technical developments, including the establishment of the Saudi Space Commission in 2018 and the subsequent astronaut program launch in 2022.
In 1985, a renowned air force pilot Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud took part in a space mission led by the United States.
Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud showed his pride at this achievement, saying, “I am happy that Saudi Arabia has returned to space once again,” and adding, “God willing, this is just the beginning.”
