Arab Press

بالشعب و للشعب
Wednesday, Apr 08, 2026

Saudi Arabia Embarks on 14 Scientific Experiments Aimed at Serving Humanity and Protecting Planet Earth

The Saudi Arabian government is making significant efforts in the field of space, collaborating with leading countries, including the United States, to develop space robotics technology.
Cooperation also extends to China and other pioneering nations in space exploration. Viewing space as a vital area, Saudi Arabia aspires to rank among the world's leading countries in this field.

On the occasion of the International Day of Human Space Flight, celebrated worldwide to commemorate the first human space flight on April 12, 1961, by Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, the world remembers. Gagarin, the first Soviet cosmonaut and human to fly into outer space, orbited the Earth on April 12, 1961, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Vostok 1, paving the way for space exploration for the benefit of humanity, achieving sustainable development goals, enhancing the welfare of nations and peoples, and ensuring the peaceful use of outer space.

Saudi Arabia is deeply interested in space exploration, a fact underscored by the space journey of His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the Discovery STS-51G mission nearly 40 years ago. This mission marked significant national progress in telecommunications, satellite channels, and applied fundamental sciences, including physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, meteorology, among others.

Saudi Arabia and the World

Reflecting on the historic moments experienced by Saudi citizens about 40 years ago, when the Arab astronaut, His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman, and his scientific team launched into space on June 17, 1985, the Saudi community observes the changes since then and the impact of technology on society.

The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology launched a website to document and share highlights of the Kingdom’s space journey over the years, including a historical narrative and visual documentation of astronaut Prince Sultan bin Salman's mission, showcasing the Kingdom’s achievements in space in the ensuing years.

The website details Saudi Arabia's space exploration experiences, including the Discovery (STS-51G) spacecraft mission, and highlights the beginning of the space discovery project through NASA, as well as the contributions of the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in the field of space.

The website also features the book "One Planet: The Story of the First Arab Space Mission," offering diverse stories about the space world and the journey of the first Arab Muslim astronaut, presented with a documentary and scientific simplicity, supported by hundreds of photos and illustrations on space and its technologies, as well as an overview of the history of space exploration.

A Bright Future Ahead

Since then, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been aiming to secure a prestigious position among the pioneers of space, looking forward to a more innovative future and the latest technologies and opportunities in the space sector.

Saudi Arabia announced the signing of the "Artemis Accords" with NASA on July 16, 2022, to join the international coalition in civil exploration and the peaceful use of the Moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids. This agreement aligns with the Kingdom's national innovation priorities, anticipating space as the next trillion-dollar opportunity by 2040, supporting growth in various sectors and creating thousands of jobs.

This agreement, signed during the U.S. President's visit to the Kingdom, includes 13 clauses aimed at enhancing Saudi Arabia's international presence and contributing effectively to international joint projects, establishing its position as a leading nation in the new space field through scientific and exploratory missions, and developing the space economy and research capabilities.

Joining the Artemis Accords reiterates Saudi Arabia's commitment to peaceful and responsible sustainable use of space, enhancing its ambitions in space exploration through scientific and exploratory activities as part of its economic diversification plan aimed at attracting foreign investment and creating job opportunities for Saudi youth.

The agreement kicks off with an initial phase focused on unmanned space missions for scientific testing and experiments, preparing for the second phase involving manned missions for exploration and return without landing on the Moon, setting the stage for the third phase of lunar surface landing and continued research and exploration, paving the way for humanity's broader exploration of space.

Space Agency and Saudi Efforts

Continuing its interest in space science, Saudi Arabia established the Saudi Space Agency on December 27, 2018, with Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz as its first president. The agency aims to develop the Kingdom's space sector, emphasizing the development, localization, and support of peaceful uses of space industries and technologies, and presenting best global practices in satellite applications and space exploration missions to enhance Saudi Arabia's position as a regional and international leader in space sciences and technologies.

This move represents a qualitative leap in focusing on the space market industry, stimulating research and innovation in the field, achieving national goals in developing and growing the sector, and enhancing Saudi Arabia's success in meeting the objectives of Vision 2030.

The decision to create the space agency supports the space sector in Saudi Arabia, enhancing the agency's role in carrying out space programs, keeping up with modern technologies and global knowledge, and inspiring and motivating young scientists and innovators. Recently, Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni embarked on a historical mission to the International Space Station (ISS) to explore opportunities in space and conduct 14 scientific experiments aimed at serving humanity and protecting Earth, marking a significant achievement with their safe return on May 31.

These scientific experiments underscore that the growth and development of the space sector cannot occur without the advancement of other sectors, such as industry, digital technology, communications, and more.

Policies and Strategies

The Saudi Space Agency's objectives align with the Kingdom's aspirations towards a higher quality of life and advancement in the space sector through the formulation and implementation of national general policies and strategies. The agency focuses on regulating the space sector, encouraging research and industrial activities related to space, developing satellite and navigation systems technology, enhancing space security through space and debris monitoring, and developing and implementing space infrastructure.

The agency also plays a role in organizing science and exploration missions, fostering national talent in space sciences, cooperating with government entities, and representing Saudi Arabia in international space forums, promoting research, development, and innovation in space within the Kingdom, and solidifying its global standing in the space sector by inspiring future generations in space sciences.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Arab Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Trump Warns of Civilizational Stakes as Iran Halts Negotiations
Saudi Companies Expand Remote Work Measures Ahead of Iran-Related Security Concerns
Iran Warns of Strikes on Saudi Energy Infrastructure if US Targets Its Facilities
Iran Urges Civilians to Form Human Shields Around Nuclear Sites as Diplomatic Deadline Approaches
Saudi Arabia Raises Oil Prices to Record Premiums Amid Supply Pressures Linked to Iran Conflict
Key Saudi-Bahrain Causeway Closed Amid Heightened Security Concerns Linked to Iran
Formula One Calendar Gap Explained as Fans Await Next Grand Prix
Growing Strain on the Petrodollar System Comes Into Focus Amid Iran Conflict
Reported Strike on Saudi Arabia’s Jubail Complex Raises Global Energy Supply Concerns
FedEx Introduces New Digital Tool to Streamline Imports into Saudi Arabia
Iran Claims Strike on Saudi Arabia’s Jubail Petrochemical Complex Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Taiwan to Source Oil Shipments from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Ports
Saudi Arabia Evacuates Riyadh Financial District as Precaution Amid Regional Tensions
Saudi Arabia Balances Ambitious Economic Vision Amid Regional Tensions and Financial Pressures
Budget Saudi Arabia Reports Strong Full-Year 2025 Financial Performance
Saudi Arabia Expands Investment in Capcom With Stake Reaching Six Percent
Saudi Arabia Assesses Significant Economic Impact From Regional Conflict Involving Iran
US Beef Secures Expanded Market Access in Saudi Arabia
Jordan and Saudi Arabia Declare Absolute Solidarity in Response to Iranian Threats
Saudi Arabia Raises Oil Prices to Record Premium Amid Strong Market Demand
California’s Salton Sea Emerges as Strategic Lithium Hub for Clean Energy Future
Iranian Drone Strike on US Embassy in Saudi Arabia Reportedly Targeted Intelligence Facility
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Meets French Embassy Official to Strengthen Bilateral Engagement
Saudi Arabia Calls on United States to Seize Strategic Opportunity to Reshape Middle East
Dating Apps Surge in Saudi Arabia as Social Norms Rapidly Evolve Among Youth
Saudi Arabia Detains Over Fourteen Thousand Illegal Residents in Week-Long Enforcement Drive
Saudi Foreign Minister Engages in Diplomatic Talks with Pakistan, Kuwait and Latvia on Regional Developments
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Cruise Missile as Regional Tensions Intensify
Saudi Stock Market Edges Higher as Tadawul Index Records Modest Gain
Underlying Rivalry Between Saudi Arabia and UAE Persists Despite Temporary Calm
Saudi Arabia’s Non-Oil Sector Contracts in March as Regional Tensions Weigh on Business Activity
Saudi Arabia Unveils Ambition to Establish Prestigious Global Prize Rivaling the Nobel
Saudi Crown Prince to Engage Wall Street in Push for Investment and Economic Expansion
Iran Accuses Saudi Arabia and UAE After Downing of Chinese-Made Drone
Saudi Arabia Condemns Attack on Hospital in Sudan, Calls for Protection of Civilians
Coordinated Drone Strike Targets CIA Facility Within US Embassy in Saudi Arabia
Italy’s Meloni Prioritises Energy Security and Strait of Hormuz Stability During Gulf Tour
Uncertainty Emerges Over Timeline and Direction of Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Ski Resort Project
UAE and Saudi Arabia Escalate Strategy with Drone Operations Targeting Iran
Trump Delivers Characteristic Remarks on Saudi Crown Prince Amid Intensifying Iran Conflict
Drone Strike on US Embassy in Riyadh Caused Greater Damage Than First Reported
Saudi Arabia Introduces Flexible Solutions for Expired Visas Amid Regional Disruptions
Saudi Arabia’s Online Car Market Accelerates with AI Pricing and Fully Digital Buying Experience
Saudi Arabia Reassesses Defence Strategy as Iranian Drone Threat Drives Shift in Military Partnerships
Drone Strikes Target Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain as Regional Conflict Intensifies
Japan and Saudi Arabia Align Efforts to Ease Rising Tensions with Iran
Saudi Crown Prince and Italy’s Meloni Strengthen Strategic Ties in High-Level Talks
SpaceX Explores Potential Five Billion Dollar Investment from Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund Ahead of IPO
Saudi Arabia Lifts Key Import Barriers to Expand Access for U.S. Beef Exports
Saudi Arabia Enforces Strict Travel Penalties for Visits to Restricted Countries
×