Creating a window of opportunity for Saudi youth, KAUST will be the Mission Control Center for approximately 200 talented 12 to 15-year-old Saudi students from across the Kingdom for the globally-recognized Space 2101 program.

The Space 2101 camp delivers on KAUST's vision as a destination for scientific and technological education and research, putting the university at the forefront of stimulating innovation and inspiring future generations in the Kingdom's space sector.

Along with its founding partner, the Saudi Space Commission (SSC), KAUST will present the five-day space camp, which challenges and motivates young people towards STEAM-related career paths by bringing world-renowned STEAM educators to accompany NASA and SpaceX astronauts Susan Kilrain, Charles Gemar, Sian Proctor, and Daniel M. Tani to deliver the program.

Frank Salzgeber, acting vice governor for Space at the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), said: "There is no better fuel for innovation as curiosity, and space and curiosity going hand in hand."

From a competitive pool of 700 applicants, organizers selected around 200 talented Space 2101 participants who will be arriving at KAUST from schools across the Kingdom, MISK Schools, King Faisal School in Riyadh, Manarat Al-Madinah International in Madinah, Dar Al-Fikr in Jeddah, Dhahran Ahliyya Schools, University Schools KFUPM, and many more.

Space 2101: Saudi Arabia

As we see the rise of automation and artificial intelligence transforming the workplace, it’s only a matter of time before STEAM skills are required for any job. KAUST sees this as an opportunity to equip students for the jobs of the future, taking the bold action necessary to develop globally competitive talent and make this available to the youth of the Kingdom as part of its STEAM Forward KSA initiative under Strategic National Advancement (SNA).

Dr. Najah Ashry, vice-president of KAUST SNA, stated, "Space exploration is not only innately valuable to humankind, but it also serves as a tool to inspire young minds towards careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — key disciplines for ensuring a prosperous, sustainable future right here on earth."

The camp will culminate with a competition whereby a panel of astronauts, scientists, and industry experts will judge the habitat designs the student teams created. The winning team's award will be to travel to Florida, in the US, to watch a live launch at the Kennedy Space Center.

Peter Longstaff, the chief operating officer of Starlight Education, bringing Space 2101 to KAUST, said: "Our camps inspire students to reach for the stars and are part of our ambitions to help talented young people reach their potential. Working with our partners and local businesses, we are committed to giving the students an unforgettable learning experience by bringing together NASA astronauts, top-rated universities, and some of the world's most internationally recognized scientists.”

More details on the KAUST Space 2101 program are available at sna.kaust.edu.sa/space2101.