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In a historic moment for Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, Rayyanah Barnawi has shattered the glass ceiling and become the first Saudi woman to venture into space. Accompanied by her colleague, Ali Al Qarni, as well as Americans Peggy Whitson and John Shoffner, Rayyanah embarked on an awe-inspiring eight-day trip as part of the privately led Axiom 2 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Their journey commenced with the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in the early hours of Monday from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.
The mission holds significant importance for Saudi Arabia, as it marks the maiden voyage of the country’s new astronaut program, which was announced just last year. The kingdom’s renewed ambition in space exploration comes after more than three decades since Prince Sultan bin Salman, the first Saudi citizen in space, embarked on a week-long trip aboard NASA’s space shuttle in 1985.
Rayyanah’s inclusion in the Axiom 2 mission signifies a pivotal moment for Saudi women, as she represents the aspirations of all Saudi females. In a pre-launch video released by Axiom Space, the Houston-based company that facilitated Saudi Arabia’s participation, Rayyanah, who is a breast cancer researcher, expressed her overwhelming emotions, stating, “I never thought that I would ever be going to space, but at the same time, it feels like a dream come true. It’s an overwhelming feeling.” She further added, “It honestly feels like I am representing all Saudis’ ambitions, all females, and all researchers as well. It’s a big honor to be able to go to space and at the same time do the things that you love the most.”
Rayyanah’s voyage represents not only a personal achievement but also a significant stride towards gender equality in Saudi Arabia. The nation’s “sustainable” astronaut program demonstrates a progressive mindset and a dedication to empowering women in various fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By encouraging female representation in space exploration, Saudi Arabia is creating new role models for future generations and inspiring women to pursue their passions and dreams without limitations.
As Rayyanah Barnawi gazes at our beautiful planet from the vantage point of the ISS, she is not just an astronaut; she is a symbol of determination, courage, and the limitless potential of Saudi women. .
