Saudi Astronauts Reached International Space Station

Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni reached the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday.

Both astronauts travelled with astronaut Peggy Whitson and pilot John Shoffner. At ISS, they were welcomed by seven astronauts already onboard, including Emirati astronaut Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi

After arriving at ISS, Barnawi said "We are now living a dream that we did not expect to become a reality. This trip represents Saudis and the entire Arab world. It is also an opportunity to discover space."

The Dragon spacecraft launched atop a SpaceX rocket on Sunday, starting the AX-2 private mission. This mission is the second completely private mission to visit ISS, following the first one in April 2022. 

Image source: NASA website