Space, the final frontier, beckons us with its vastness and mysteries. From the confines of our planet, humans have built remarkable spacecrafts to venture into the unknown. Very few get the privilege of going beyond this final frontier and seeing what lies beyond up close. Rayyanah Barnawi, an Emirati research scientist received this honour making her story an inspiration for women in STEM across the globe.

In a ground-breaking achievement, Saudi Arabia has sent its first woman astronaut, Rayyanah Barnawi, to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a private SpaceX rocket. This historic mission marks a significant milestone, breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of Arab women to reach for the stars.

On 21^st May, 2023 amidst great anticipation, Rayyanah and Saudi fighter pilot Ali al-Qarni embarked on their extraordinary journey. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral in the southern United States, propelling them towards low-Earth orbit and the ISS. Accompanying them on this mission are seasoned astronaut Peggy Whitson and pilot John Shoffner.

Researcher onboard ISS

Rayyanah follows in the footsteps of Sultan bin Salman, the first Saudi astronaut, who embarked on a space journey over four decades ago. With a background in biochemistry and extensive experience in cancer stem-cell research, Rayyanah’s expertise has positioned her as a mission specialist on Axiom Space's Mission 2. She will concentrate on breast cancer and stem cell studies during the Ax-2 mission.

Having dedicated over nine years to stem cell and tissue re-engineering projects, Rayyanah has emerged as a leading figure in her field. Throughout her career, she has spearheaded numerous breast cancer research projects, making invaluable contributions by enhancing research procedures, troubleshooting various approaches, and authoring numerous papers on the subject.

A Space Cadet in the Making

Rayyanah’s academic qualifications further solidify her role as a distinguished scientist. Holding a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences (ReGD) from Otago University and a master's degree in biomedical sciences with First Class Honors from Alfaisal University, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her mission.

Raised in the vibrant city of Riyadh, Rayyanah's passion for research in a zero-gravity environment stems from a desire to benefit her country and humanity as a whole. This drive led her to apply for the Saudi National Astronaut Programme, embarking on a remarkable journey as an astronaut.

Outside of her job, she enjoys being outside and partaking in sports and adventures all around the world. From river rafting and trekking in Turkey to scuba diving in Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

Other activities include hang gliding, ledge swinging, and river rafting in New Zealand. She took part in wingsuit flying training in Dubai in 2014. She engaged in hypoxic and centrifuge training in Saudi Arabia in 2022.

From following in the footsteps of her predecessor to her profound contributions in cancer research, Rayyanah’s remarkable journey exemplifies determination, scientific excellence, and the pursuit of knowledge. As she ventures into space, her mission represents a significant leap forward for Saudi Arabia's space exploration endeavors, inspiring future generations and opening doors to new possibilities.                                

The Astronauts' Perspective:

As they soared through the skies, Rayyanah shared her awe-inspiring view of the Earth from the spacecraft, expressing her immense pleasure and honor as the first Saudi woman astronaut. Sponsored by the Saudi government, Rayyanah eagerly looks forward to conducting research on breast cancer in the unique environment of the ISS. Additionally, she expressed her enthusiasm for engaging with children and sharing her experiences to inspire the younger generation.

Ali al-Qarni, an avid explorer and fighter pilot, expressed his lifelong passion for discovering the unknown and gazing at the stars. With this mission, he fulfills his dream of venturing into space and hopes to soar among the celestial wonders.

Upon their arrival at the International Space Station, Rayyanah and Ali al-Qarni will be greeted by a United Arab Emirates astronaut, forging connections across nations and cultures. This encounter further highlights the collaborative nature of space exploration and the unity it fosters among diverse nations.

The Axiom Space Initiative

Houston-based Axiom Space, which organized this mission, continues its pioneering efforts in private space travel. Having previously facilitated a private journey to the ISS with a team of businesspeople and a NASA veteran, Axiom now plans to construct its own modules at the space station. This ambitious endeavor paves the way for a future standalone outpost that can be leased for further scientific exploration.

With NASA's recent support for space tourism, including two planned commercial missions per year, the possibilities for private citizens to venture into space are expanding. Axiom's partnership with SpaceX and the inclusion of private individuals on space missions mark a new era of accessibility and exploration beyond Earth's boundaries.