Ashraf AboArafe
The Saudi Space Authority (SSA) confirmed the readiness of the Saudi astronauts for the mission of the International Space Station, which is planned to be launched in the second quarter of this year 2023 AD, after completing the training program for the flight, which lasted for nine months.
The authority said that the two Saudi astronauts had successfully completed the training period and entered the quarantine period, in preparation for the launch of the scientific mission at the specified time into space.
Astronauts Rayana Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni will launch to the International Space Station (ISS), and the mission aims to conduct 14 pioneering scientific research experiments in the microgravity environment, including three educational and awareness experiments, during the space flight, which comes within the Kingdom’s program for astronauts, which achieves the Kingdom’s aspirations. And the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in the field of space.
And the authority announced that the crew of the pioneers simulated 12 days in space, during which the experiments carried out simulating the penetration of the Earth’s atmosphere, and the accompanying effect of gravitational forces and acceleration, and the heavy pull of gravity on the human body, and they also trained on the equipment and procedures necessary to complete the mission at the International Space Station. With Axiom Space and SpaceX, at the National Space Training and Research Center (NASTAR), one of the state-of-the-art flight simulator facilities in Pennsylvania.
The authority indicated that the astronauts received training at the NASA Johnson Center, within the (HERA) program to simulate the environment of the International Space Station, and based on the objectives of the mission to inspire students and those interested in space science. The importance of research, the lives of astronauts, and the role of integrative science while improving the quality of life on Earth.
The authority indicated that the training program included training the astronauts last September on exploratory skills at the headquarters of the “SpaceX” company in Hawthorne, California, and indicated that the astronauts also trained on programs and operational operations at the International Station, in addition to conducting several training programs at the Space Center. Japanese and European research studies in January and February. They also carried out exercises to integrate space payloads in March 2023 AD, in addition to zero-gravity and weight training, buoyancy exercises, communication skills training in orbit, and identification of side effects during spaceflight.
Astronauts Rayana Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni expressed their pride in representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in this space flight, and in realizing the Kingdom’s ambition in the field of space, stressing their enthusiasm and readiness to carry out this mission, noting a sense of pride and gratitude for representing the Kingdom in this great national mission.
Astronaut Rayana Barnawi confirmed her happiness, expressing her pride in her homeland, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and her representation of it in this national mission, the results of which will contribute to strengthening the Kingdom’s position globally in the field of space exploration, serving humanity, and achieving the Kingdom’s aspirations and the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in the field of space. She feels a great responsibility for being the first Saudi female astronaut.
Astronaut Ali Al-Qarni expressed his pride in representing the Kingdom in this mission, which confirms that ambition has no ceiling, and that the Kingdom’s goals in the field of space stem from serving humanity and strengthening the role of science in various fields.
Al-Qarni said that the training program enhanced their readiness to deal with the challenges that they might face during the space flight, and also helped them develop the skills necessary for the success of the mission, indicating that space skills require intensive and accurate training, not only to ensure the achievement of the mission’s objectives, but also to ensure the safety of our fellow astronauts. others space.
It is noteworthy that the Saudi Space Authority launched the Astronaut Program earlier, with the aim of qualifying experienced Saudi cadres to embark on space flights to participate in scientific experiments, international research and future space-related missions, which will reflect positively on the future of industry and the country, and increase the interest of graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. And the development of human capital, by attracting talents and developing the necessary skills, which enhances the Kingdom’s role in developing the space sector, and becoming an important part of the global community in space science research and investing that research in the service of humanity.
