RIYADH: Saudi astronauts Ali Al-Qarni and Rayyanah Barnawi will embark on their monumental space mission on May 9, officials said on Thursday.
Axiom Space and NASA officials said that they will start their journey from Florida, USA on a private mission to the International Space Station (ISS). It added that Barnawi will become the first Saudi female to journey into space and will be joined on the voyage by fellow Saudi Ali Al-Qarni, a pilot.
Saudi Astronauts to embark on space mission
An ex-NASA astronaut will be making her 4th flight to the ISS, and John Shoffner will serve as pilot. They will join United Arab Emirates astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, who began his 6-month mission on March 3, on board the International Space Station.
Barnawi expressed her pride and excitement in announcing the launch date of the mission to complete the goals and targets of the KSA’s space program, which will contribute to achieve the future explorations in various sectors.
Al-Qarni added: “The fact is that our journey as the first Saudi astronauts to visit the ISS would not have been possible without the support of the Kingdom’s wise leadership.”
The Saudi Space Commission has revealed that Al-Qarni and Barnawi have completed their training specialized in conducting scientific experiments during their visit to the International Space Station.
