Saudi Space Agency Marks Historic Space Mission Anniversary, Celebrates Achievements in Space Sector

Riyadh: The Saudi Space Agency celebrated today the anniversary of the Saudi space mission carried out by its astronauts Rayyana Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni, during which 14 pioneering scientific experiments were conducted, in a ceremony hosted by the Communications and Space and Technology Commission in Riyadh. According to a press release issued by the agency, the mission fell under the agency's "Saudi Toward Space" program, aligning with the Kingdom's focus on research, development, and innovation, a vision driven by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council. The mission embodies the Kingdom's commitment to space exploration. By participating in the International Space Station (ISS), the world's leading space research platform, "Saudi Arabia contributes to scientific advancements that empower humanity, protect the planet, and shape new horizons", said the release. Saudi Space Agency CEO Dr. Mohammed bin Saud A ltamimi hailed the significant achievements of the SSA-HSF1 mission, and stressed that its successes represent a major milestone on the Kingdom's path toward becoming a leader in the space sector. He highlighted the mission's success in conducting 14 research experiments in a microgravity environment. These experiments, he said, have yielded valuable contributions to research, development, and innovation, aligning with the Kingdom's aspirations for leadership and excellence in space exploration. Altamimi added that the mission's accomplishments further solidify the Kingdom's commitment to nurturing national expertise in this field and strengthening cooperation with leading international institutions. He said that the agency will continue to support innovative projects that contribute to the advancements of research, development, and innovation in the Kingdom, adding that the agency is working to achieve its strategic objectives by building strong partnerships with local and international scientific and res earch institutions, and providing opportunities for Saudi scientists and researchers to participate in advanced research projects. The ceremony featured a presentation of the mission's journey, from the rigorous training program to the remarkable results achieved. "This comprehensive overview solidified the notion that these achievements mark the beginning of a sustained journey of progress and innovation in space research, development, and related scientific fields," the release said. Source: Saudi Press Agency