Saudi Space Agency’s Madak Space Success on ISS
The Saudi Space Agency has announced the successful completion and safe return to Earth of a series of microgravity experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS) by student winners from Saudi Arabia and various Arab countries.
The experiments were part of the ‘Madak Space’ competition, marking a significant step in Arab youth participation in space exploration. These diverse experiments, involving scientific research and creative artistic endeavors, were submitted by students from Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations and returned following the successful conclusion of the AX-4 mission.
Organized in partnership with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) and the Misk-affiliated Science Discovery and Innovation Centre (Ilmi), this initiative aimed to empower youth across the Kingdom and the Arab region by encouraging exploration of the intersection of science, engineering, and arts in space.
The ten selected experiments underwent a rigorous evaluation process by local and international experts, assessing their originality, feasibility in a space environment, and potential to inspire scientific inquiry and artistic innovation.
The experiments were conducted onboard the ISS under the supervision of Saudi astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi and with support from the Saudi Space Agency’s scientific teams, including veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson.
‘Madak Space’ marked a milestone by offering student involvement in the space sector, focusing on arts, plants, and engineering tracks. Beyond providing hands-on learning experiences, this program enhanced scientific capacity and technological skills among youth in the region, aiming to cultivate the next generation of researchers, innovators, and space explorers in Saudi Arabia and the wider Arab world.
