According to media reports, Rayana Barnawi is identified as a breast cancer researcher. She will be the first Saudi woman in space. He will be joined by Ali Al-Qarni, a fighter pilot by profession. Two more astronauts will join the private mission. These are former NASA astronaut ‘Peggy Whitson’ and businessman John Shoffner, who will be a part of the mission as pilots.
Saudi Arabia’s Rayyanah Barnawi, who is set to become the first Arab woman in space, and Ali Al Qarni seen here in their SpaceX flight suit. They’re set to launch on the AX-2 mission to the ISS on May 8. pic.twitter.com/0kDEk6ayES
— Sarwat Nasir (@SarwatNasir) April 6, 2023
Significantly, Saudi Arabia has recently sent one of its astronauts, Sultan Al Neyadi, into space, who is performing his duties on the ISS during the holy month of Ramadan. The four astronauts will join Al Neyadi on the ISS on May 9, leaving with a private mission.
SpaceX’s Dragon capsule will be responsible for taking the four astronauts into space. That is, SpaceX, NASA and Axiom Space will complete the mission together. Axiom Space is America’s space company, which will have its second space mission. Rayana Barnawi is very excited about the journey to ISS. According to the media of Saudi Arabia, his visit will fulfill the goals of the country’s space program.
Saudi Arabia is making efforts to move fast in the space sector. Last year, the Saudi government also signed the Artemis agreement with the US. After joining the agreement, the US and Saudi Arabia will together reduce uncertainty in outer space and increase the security of space operations.