Saudi astronauts achieve world first in cartilage repair research

Saudi Arabia has recorded a major scientific milestone after its astronauts successfully produced a cartilage-repair nanomaterial in space for the first time, building on the achievements of the Kingdom’s landmark SSA-HSF1 mission.

The Saudi Space Agency said the breakthrough was the result of 19 scientific experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station, with research outcomes now translating into tangible advances in health and quality of life.

The study focused on developing advanced biomaterials for tissue engineering and was led by an international research team headed by scientist Yupeng Chen and Mari Anne Snow. Saudi astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi carried out the experiment in microgravity, collecting critical data that enabled the successful manufacture of a nanomaterial designed specifically for cartilage repair.

According to the agency, producing the material in space delivered higher precision and quality compared with Earth-based manufacturing, underscoring the advantages of microgravity as a platform for advanced medical research. The findings were published in ‘Nature’, one of the world’s leading scientific journals.

“Conducting the experiment in space enabled the production of an advanced nanomaterial and reliable data that support scientific research aimed at improving human life and serving humanity,” Barnawi said.

The Saudi Space Agency said the achievement supports future efforts to manufacture tissues and develop advanced treatments linked to organ transplant initiatives, while reinforcing the role of space-based research in addressing real-world health challenges.

The agency added that the results highlight the complementary roles of scientists and astronauts during crewed missions and reflect Saudi Arabia’s strategy to maximise the scientific return of human spaceflight.

The outcomes align with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to strengthen research, innovation and the application of advanced technologies with lasting impact on life on Earth.