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In the coming months, three Muslim astronauts, including the first Arab astronaut to take part in a long-duration space mission, are set to meet on board the International Space Station (ISS), which is a significant milestone for the Arab and Muslim world. On February 26th, Sultan Al Neyadi, a UAE astronaut, is scheduled to embark on a six-month mission on the ISS, accompanied by two Saudi astronauts in the spring. Among them is Rayyannah Barnawi, who will become the first woman from the Arab world to go to space and spend a 10-day stint on the ISS with compatriot Ali Al Qarni. Prince Sultan bin Salman was the first Muslim in space in 1985, and Anousheh Raissyan was the first Muslim woman and Iranian in space in 2006. During his six-month stint, Dr Al Neyadi is expected to participate in approximately 20 experiments. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are part of the Arab Space Co-operation Group, and Saudi Arabia named its astronauts last week. This program aims to activate scientific innovations in space sciences and enhance the country’s ability to conduct independent research.
