Saudi Arabia’s first astronauts in decades rocketed toward the International Space Station (ISS) on a chartered multimillion-dollar flight Sunday.
Spearheaded by SpaceX, the ticketed crew, led by a retired NASA astronaut now working for the company facilitating the journey, is joined by a U.S. businessman who owns a sports car racing team.
Landmark Achievement for Saudi Arabia
Stem cell researcher Rayyanah Barnawi is the first woman from the kingdom to go to space. She was joined on the mission by fellow Saudi Ali al-Qarni, a fighter pilot.
Barnawi teared up with joy, as she was welcomed into the International Space Station.
The mission is significance as it marks the first Saudi Arabian astronauts to ride a rocket since a Saudi prince’s voyage aboard the shuttle Discovery in 1985. The spaceship launched from the same spot where Saudi Arabia’s first astronaut, Prince Sultan bin Salman, soared in 1985. In a remarkable twist of fate, they will be welcomed aboard the ISS by an astronaut from the United Arab Emirates.
Dream Realized
“This is a dream come true for everyone,” expressed Barnawi before the launch. She emphasized the impact of their achievement, stating that if she and Ali can accomplish this feat, it serves as inspiration for others to pursue their dreams as well.
Joining them is John Shoffner, hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, a former driver and owner of a sports car racing team that competes in Europe. Also part of the crew is Peggy Whitson, the commander and the station’s first female commander, who holds the U.S. record for the most accumulated time in space, currently at 665 days.
Axiom Space’s Vision for the Future
This mission to the ISS marks the second private flight organized by Houston-based Axiom Space. Axiom plans to expand its presence by adding its own modules to the station in the coming years, with the ultimate goal of creating a standalone outpost available for rent.
While the financial details of Shoffner and Saudi Arabia’s 10-day mission remain undisclosed, Axiom previously stated a ticket price of $55 million per person. Additional expenses include charges for food, equipment, transportation, and return of personal items.
Embracing the Era of Space Tourism
NASA, after years of hesitancy, has now embraced space tourism, with two private missions planned each year. The Russian Space Agency has intermittently conducted similar ventures for decades. Joel Montalbano, NASA’s space station program manager, highlights the agency’s mission to expand low-Earth orbit activities globally, marking a shift in their approach.
Excitement Soars as the Future Unfolds
The SpaceX first-stage booster successfully landed back at Cape Canaveral, ready to be recycled for future flights, bringing immense excitement to the team at Axiom Space. The journey to the ISS is just the beginning, as Axiom envisions a path that charts the future of low-Earth orbit and paves the way for further space exploration endeavors.
As the Saudi Arabian astronauts venture into space, this historic mission serves as a testament to the nation’s dedication to scientific progress and exploration. It opens up new possibilities and ignites aspirations for future generations to reach for the stars.