Saudi Arabia launches space program; maiden flight to include Saudi astronauts in 2023

Logo of Saudi Space Commission

Saudi Space Commission launched today, Sept. 22, the “Saudi Astronaut Program,” with the aim of qualifying Saudi-trained candidates to fly to space in long and short flights, while participating in scientific experiments, global research and space missions, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Under the program, which comes as part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia will launch its first journey and send the first female and male Saudi astronauts in 2023, marking an important historical event.

The program will help seize the promising opportunities in the industry and to participate in the research that serves humanity in several main fields including health, sustainability and space technology.

Human spaceflights underpinned the state global excellence in several aspects, including innovation, scientific research, technology and engineering progress.

Saudi Arabia will launch the Kingdom’s National Space Strategy – which will detail all Saudi space programs and their goals for humanity - over the coming months.