A private mission sponsored by Axiom Space successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying the first two Saudi astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). This second private ISS mission marks an important milestone in space exploration. Breast cancer researcher Rayana Barnawi has become the first Saudi woman to go into space, along with fellow Saudi astronaut Ali Al-Qarni, a fighter pilot.
The Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) crew began their journey aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, departing from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. The launch took place at 5:37 PM which attracted the attention of the world. Along with Barnawi and Al-Qarni, the crew includes Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut who is making her fourth flight to the ISS, and John Shoffner, a businessman from Tennessee who serves as pilot. are giving
During a press conference, Barnawi expressed her immense joy and honor to be the first Saudi female astronaut. He spoke about his enthusiasm for research in space and his eagerness to share his experiences with children. Al-Qarni, a career fighter pilot, expressed his lifelong passion for exploring the unknown and flying among the stars.
The mission includes a range of experiments carried out on the ISS, including the study of stem cell behavior in zero gravity. The team will join crew members already on the ISS, which include astronauts from Russia, the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Together, they will contribute to ongoing research and development in space exploration.
Axiom Space’s mission to the ISS represents an important step toward its ultimate goal of building its own space station. The company plans to launch the first module in 2025, the initial docking with the ISS before the station becomes an autonomous orbiter. This ambitious effort is in line with NASA’s vision to retire the ISS by 2030 and focus on private stations, encouraging the development of various companies’ programs.
The successful launch of the Ax-2 mission demonstrates the progress and potential of private space travel. It marks Saudi Arabia’s entry into the field of space exploration and the nation’s determination to change its image. As the Axiom crew begins their mission, the world is eagerly anticipating the valuable contributions they will make during their stay on the ISS.
