HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT PROGRAM

The Saudi Space Agency launched the kingdom’s first sustainable Human Space Flight (HSF) program, which aims to prepare Saudi cadres to become professional astronauts. These astronauts will be launched on both short and long-stay missions to conduct research for the benefit of all humanity.

The research focus areas of the HSF program will not only benefit us on Earth but will enable future missions to the Moon and Mars. These focus areas include but are not limited to physical science, human health, biology, biotechnology, biopharma, Earth Science, in-space manufacturing, and technology development.

Additionally, these research opportunities will foster international collaboration further enhancing Saudi’s role and contributions globally.

The HSF Program is a strategic program that will enable the realization of Vision 2030 through growing Saudi’s technical human capital, diversifying the economy, and expanding sectors in Saudi.

The inaugural mission of this program (SSA-HSF1) was launched on May 21st, 2023. This was a historic mission for Saudi as it launched two astronauts, the first female, Rayyanah Barnawi, and the second male, Ali Alqarni, into space, to the International Space Station (ISS), at a 408 km altitude above Earth, on a short-stay mission, namely, 10 days. On this mission, the Saudi Space Agency engaged scientists and research institutes to develop eleven scientific microgravity research experiments focused on human health, cell science, and weather and climate science. In addition, three scientific outreach experiments were also performed engaging 12,000 students across 47 different locations in Saudi Arabia.

SSA-HSF1 Official Patch

The Official Patch of the kingdom’s scientific mission to the international space station (ISS) embodies its future aspirations.

 The round shape

The round shape

inspired by the famous window of the ISS, which reflects cooperation and communication between nations in space exploration.

 Two Rising Stars

Two Rising Stars

Representing the two Saudi astronauts, their ambitions, and aspirations towards progress and achievement.

14 Stars

14 Stars

Representing the number of experiments that the Saudi astronauts will conduct during their journey to be a symbol of progress in the nation’s skies.

 Lunching year

Lunching year

2023 indicates the year the Kingdom launched into space and the beginning of its journey in space exploration and achieving its scientific and technological aspirations.

KSA Flag

KSA Flag

Emphasizes national identity and belonging to the homeland.

KSA on the World Map

KSA on the World Map

The globe was drawn including details of KSA map, which shows the scientific development in the Kingdom at the global level.

Astronaut

Astronaut

Looking at Earth symbolizes the primary goal of the mission, which is to serve humanity and improve the quality of life on planet Earth.

Vision 2030 logo

Vision 2030 logo

Reflects the Kingdom’s role in promoting the development of science, research, and innovation.

Hover to explore logo info

Space Mission Information

  • ROCKET Falcon 9
  • Height 70 meters height.
  • mission The mission to transport the spacecraft into the Orbit.
  • VEHICLE Dragon
  • About First private spacecraft to transport humans to the ISS
  • Capacity The Capacity to carry 7 Astronauts.
  • VEHICLE LOAD 4 Passengers
  • Info Including two Saudi astronauts Rayyana Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni.
  • DESTINATION The International Space Station (ISS)
  • About Launched in 1998, it’s a laboratory for research and studies
  • Distance The ISS Is orbiting space 420 km above earth surface.
  • movement Orbits the Earth every 90 Minutes.

SSA-HSF1 Scientific Experiments

Our Astronauts

 Primary Crew More →
 Primary Crew More →
 Backup Crew More →
 Backup Crew More →

Ali Alghamdi

Ali Alghamdi is one of the most excellent Saudi pilots in his field, who always dreamed of exploring beyond the Earth's atmosphere. He pursued his passion for aviation and eventually became a fighter pilot. However, he never stopped dreaming of being an astronaut and going to space.

In 2022, Alghamdi joined the Saudi national astronaut program, and become part of the training program. He spent sufficient time in training and learning everything related to human space missions. He has completed the training program and is now qualified to participate in future space missions.

Alghamdi has more than 11 years of experience in flying jets. He was brilliant in air shows and leading flights and got several promotions throughout his career.

Alghamdi has a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical sciences from King Faisal Air Academy. He is a holder of intensive professional courses from Canada in flying and other courses specialized in English language and aeronautical terms.

He grew up in Baljurashi City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with his family. His passion for flying drives him to be an advocate for space exploration and hopes to encourage more Saudi youth to go beyond our planet in the future to serve the nation and humanity.

Fast Facts about Astronaut Ali Alghamdi:

  • Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical sciences from King Faisal Air Academy.
  • Captain pilot.
  • Fighter Pilot (Typhoon).
  • 11 years of experience.
  • 2852 hours of flying.

Mariam Fardous

Mariam Fardous is a trailblazing scientist, athlete and astronaut who has pushed boundaries and broken barriers throughout her life. Fardous's passion for science, exploration and adventure led her to dream of exploring beyond the planet Earth and diving deep into space. She is one of the most talented scientists in her field.

In 2022, Fardous joined the Saudi national astronaut program, and become part of the training program. She spent sufficient time in training and learning everything related to human space missions. She has completed the training program and is now qualified to participate in future space missions.

Fardous has more than 13 years of experience in the field of medicine. Throughout her career, she has worked in the public health field in data analysis and used Business Intelligence Reporting Tool to create KPIs and Scorecards to improve management reports and strategic planning.

Fardous has a master’s degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, and a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah. She has a diploma in Business Administration from Missouri State University, USA, as well as other professional courses in data analysis and project management.

She grew up in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with her family. Her passion for science and exploring motivated her to be an astronaut to inspire future generations to pursue their dreams and push beyond the boundaries of what is possible that serves humanity and improves the quality of life.

Fast Facts about Astronaut Mariam Fardous:

  • Epidemiologist.
  • Bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah.
  • Master’s degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh.
  • Diploma in Business Administration from Missouri State University, USA
  • 13 years of experience in the field of medicine.

Ali Algarni

Ali Alqarni, a Saudi astronaut and experienced pilot served as crew member on the SSA-HSF1 mission. He is one of the best pilots in his field.

Alqarni has more than 12 years of experience in flying jets. During his long career, he had many courses in flying and non-flying related fields, with strong skills in team management and digitalizing data.

By his participation in the SSA-HSF1 space mission with the first Saudi female astronaut, Rayyanah Barnawi, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was one of the few countries sending two astronauts of the same nationality on a space mission.

Alqarni has a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical science from King Faisal air academy, Diploma in aeronautical science from USAF - Vans AFB in Enid, Oklahoma; and other courses specialized in English language and Aeronautical terms.

He grew up in Riyadh City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. with his siblings and parents. He was always passionate about flying. He decided to become an astronaut after the announcement of the Saudi National Astronaut Program.

Fast Facts about Astronaut Alqarni:

  • First Saudi astronaut to go to the International Space Station.
  • Captain Pilot in the Royal Saudi Air Force.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Sciences from King Faisal Air Academy.
  • Diploma in aeronautical science from Vance Air Force Base, USA
  • 12 years of experience in flying (F-15 SA).
  • Holder of intensive training courses in qualifying astronauts.
  • Selected to participate in the mission thanks to his skills and high commitment to conducting scientific research on the International Space Station.

Rayyanah-Barnawi

Rayyanah Barnawi, Research Laboratory Specialist and the first Saudi female astronaut serving as a crew member on the SSA-HSF1 mission. She is one of the most talented researchers in her field.

Barnawi has more than 9 years of experience in stem cell and tissue re-engineering programs. Throughout her career, she has Improved research protocols, troubleshooted several techniques, managed many breast cancer research projects, and published several publications in the same field.

By participating in the SSA-HSF1space mission, she became the first Saudi female Astronaut. She was accompanied by her fellow Astronaut, Ali Alqarni, making the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia one of the few countries sending two astronauts of the same nationality on a space mission.

Barnawi has a master’s degree in biomedical sciences – with the First Class of Honor - from Alfaisal University, and a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences (ReGD) from Otago University.

She grew up in Riyadh City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with her siblings and parents. Her passion for experiments and scientific research motivated her to apply for the Saudi National Astronaut Program as an astronaut, to conduct more research in a zero-gravity environment to serve the nation and humanity.

Fast Facts about Astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi:

  • The first Saudi, Arab woman to go to the International Space Station.
  • Research scientist and laboratory specialist.
  • Bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences (ReGD) from Otago University, New Zealand.
  • Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, from Alfaisal University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • 9 years of experience in cancer stem cell research
  • Holder of intensive training courses in qualifying astronauts.
  • Selected to participate in the mission thanks to her experience in the field of research to conduct scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station.

MISSION MEDIA

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Why Has The Kingdom Chosen Scientific Missions?

To Qualify Cadres At The Highest Level To Support The Objectives Of The National Space Strategy And The Ability To Conduct Their Research Independently In The Microgravity Environment And The Space Environment In General.

Partners

Future Partner

Neum

Strategic Partner

CST

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