Saudi Arabia launches its first astronaut programme

Saudi Space Commission (SSC) has launched the Kingdom’s first astronaut programme, dedicated to train Saudi competent personnel to undertake long- and short-term space flights.

The programme will enable Saudi astronauts to conduct scientific experiments and research for the betterment of humanity in priority areas such as health, sustainability and space technology, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The Saudi Astronaut Programme, which is an integral part of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030, will send Saudi astronauts into space to help better serve humanity. One of the astronauts will be a Saudi woman, whose mission to space will represent a historical first one for the Kingdom.

Human space flights boost countries global leadership and competitiveness in areas such as science, engineering, and research and innovation.

In the coming months, the Kingdom plans to launch its National Space Strategy, which will reveal space programs and initiatives that aim to serve humanity from space.

Meanwhile, Saudi Space Commission CEO Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi has held meetings with several senior officials of space agencies and companies and leaders of the sector to discuss means to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of space economies and its future sectors.

Al-Tamimi met with Deputy Assistant to Executive Secretary of the US National Space Council Chirag Parikh to enhance cooperation in the space field and develop its legislations and regulations. He also met with President of the Italian Space Agency Giorgio Saccoccia and covered efforts to boost relations between the two sides in the space field. Al-Tamimi covered aspects to enhance bilateral cooperation in the space field in another meeting with Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Shri S. Somanath.

He also held a meeting with CEO of the UK Space Agency Dr. Paul Bate to strengthen and develop cooperation in the space field. To enhance strategic cooperation in the space field and its sectors, Al-Tamimi met with Chairperson of UAE Space Agency Sarah Al-Amiri. He also held a meeting with officials from Airbus over existing projects and development opportunities in the sector.

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