Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – “I am so proud to take with me the dreams of Saudi and Arab women to space”, the first Saudi and Arab Muslim female astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi said at a press conference here on Wednesday alongside her male colleague Ali Al-Qarni days before their space mission scheduled.
“I feel very excited each time I remember I am going to space and seeing the dream of my life coming true,” Barnawi told the media adding she was going to space because of the support of Saudi leadership. “Knowing that I am going to space, my grandmother gifted me a pair of more than 60 years old earnings.”
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Two astronauts said that they are fully prepared for their upcoming scientific mission to the International Space Station (ISS) which is scheduled on May 21.
Al-Qarni, a pilot in the Saudi Air Force, said that his scientific knowledge would allow him to work on the cloud-seeding experiment in space and test its effectiveness and impact on humanity. “My feelings about this new experience are indescribable,” he said. “We thank the wise leadership, my family, and all the agencies and partners for their support to make this scientific journey a success.”
The historic space mission is part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting space exploration efforts and encouraging practical research in scientific and technological fields. It also aligns with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to highlight the kingdom’s role in the space sector and its technologies.
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Barnawi and Al-Qarni will be joined on the ISS by US astronauts Peggy Whitson and John Shoffner.
The Saudi astronauts expressed their readiness to implement the mission’s objectives and contribute to building a bright future for humanity.
“We believe that science is limitless, and we will pursue our mission to the International Space Station with that principle being the basis,” Barnawi said. “We will search, explore, and participate in bringing historic achievements to our country and to the entire humanity.”