The Saudi Space Commission (SSC) has announced the Kingdom’s first astronaut programme, which will be dedicated to train competent Saudi nationals to undertake long- and short-term space flights.
Through the programme, the SSC 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.
Founded in 2018, the SSC is an independent government entity established in 2018 to lead and grow the Kingdom’s nascent space sector. The organisation is focused on transforming the Kingdom into being a major player in the global space economy by harnessing the country’s human capital and innovative spirit to develop a vibrant national space industry than contributes to global exploration, scientific research, and commercial growth.
The Saudi Astronaut Program, 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 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.
