TWO Saudi astronauts said their goodbyes to their counterparts as they ended their historic mission to space.
The Saudi Space Commission released a video clip of the Saudi astronauts and their American colleagues, Peggy Whitson and John Shoffner preparing to leave the International Space Station.
Moments before departing ISS, Saudi astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman in space, delivered a heartfelt speech, saying “Every story comes to an end and the mission was only the beginning of a new era for Saudi Arabia and the region.”
Dubbed Axiom-2 mission, the four-person crew executed over 20 STEAM or otherwise known as Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics outreach engagements, including more than 20 research studies in microgravity, as well as eight media events.
The spacecraft returned to Earth with more than 300 pounds of cargo and important data that will impact the understanding of human physiology on Earth in orbit.
The mission also brought with its novel technologies that could be used for future human spaceflight pursuits.
The mission launched on May 22 was Saudi Arabia’s first scientific mission toward space.
The Saudi Space Commission said that the mission was just a starting point of the country’s space ambitions and looks forward to explore not just the ISS but also the Moon and beyond.
