The two Saudi astronauts, Rayana Bernawi and Ali Al-Qarni, revealed the completion of their preparations and readiness to embark on the space scientific mission destined for the International Space Station on its expected date on the twenty-first of this month, during the press conference held by the “Axiom Space” company yesterday (Tuesday), during the quarantine period. The health of the flight astronauts, and their fellow American astronauts Peggy Whitson and John Shoffner.
At the beginning of their speech, the two Saudi astronauts affirmed their readiness to implement the goals of the flight, and what it represents of historical importance to the people and leadership of Saudi Arabia, as it is expected that a new phase for the Kingdom in the field of space will inaugurate and contribute to inspiring future generations. They also gave their highest thanks and gratitude to the wise leadership that It believed in the capabilities of Saudi youth, and provided them with all the necessary capabilities to excel through the Kingdom’s program for astronauts, which is supervised by the Saudi Space Authority.
In answer to the questions of the participants in the conference, the Saudi astronaut Rayana Barnawi said: We are excited to launch into space to achieve historical achievements for our dear homeland and for all mankind, adding that we believe that there are no limits to science, and we proceed from this principle in our journey to the International Space Station, to search, explore and participate in building A bright future for humanity, and we carry on our shoulders the great hopes and aspirations of the nation.
Bernawi explained: I have been working for 10 years in the fields of scientific and medical research, and I am proud today that I represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the first Saudi and Arab Muslim woman, especially as we are days away from launching with great enthusiasm and optimism into space.
In her answer about what she would take with her to space, Rayana replied: I am proud that all the dreams of Saudi and Arab women will accompany me to space, and I am here because of the support of the rational leadership in the Kingdom, and I feel very happy whenever I remember that I am going to space, because it is a dream come true, adding: When I learned My grandmother, saying that I was going to space, gave me two earrings that were over 60 years old.
In turn, the Saudi astronaut Ali Al-Qarni explained: “We are accustomed as Saudis to have an honorable presence in all fields of scientific progress, and we will be, God willing, an extension of the country’s achievements in our next journey.” International Space Agency, and we also look forward to performing scientific experiments and applying them with students during our mission.”
Al-Qarni said: “Throughout my career I have been working as a pilot in the Air Force, and now I am looking forward to performing experiments in space, in addition to my scientific balance, which will allow me to work on an experiment in space seeding and test its effectiveness and impact on humanity. The new experience and the training environment provided by the Kingdom motivated us to achieve achievements in various fields, and we thank the wise leadership, my family, and all the agencies and partners for the support they gave to make the scientific journey a success.
It is noteworthy that this historic space flight confirms the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting space exploration efforts, encouraging practical research in this field, and strengthening the role of citizens in space programs and its fields of science and technology, to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to highlight the Kingdom’s role in the space sector and its technologies.
