Saudi astronauts deliver first space research breakthrough

Saudi Arabia’s first human spaceflight mission has delivered its initial scientific breakthroughs, with 11 research papers and a patent produced from experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station, the Saudi Space Agency said.

The results stem from SSA-HSF1, the Kingdom’s landmark mission launched in 2023, which carried out 19 scientific experiments in microgravity across three main tracks: biomedical sciences, human health, and science and technology. Several studies were conducted in partnership with local and international research institutions, with further findings still under analysis.

In biomedical research, scientists successfully measured blood-based biomarkers to assess human health in space and manufactured a high-precision nanomaterial for cartilage repair that exceeded Earth-based standards. The mission also delivered the first gene-transfer experiment for stem cells conducted in space, opening new avenues for regenerative medicine.

First Saudi space research results

Health-focused experiments examined the effects of short-duration spaceflight on the brain, including changes in intracranial pressure, optic nerve sheath diameter, cerebral perfusion and brain electrical activity. Researchers also studied telomere length to better understand cellular ageing in microgravity, contributing to knowledge around spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) and neurological health.

In the science and technology track, a cloud-seeding experiment using a novel technique demonstrated the efficiency of reactions between water vapour and silver iodide in microgravity. The findings offer insights into how gravity affects condensation, with potential applications for water security on Earth as well as future lunar and Mars missions.

Acting CEO of the Saudi Space Agency Dr Mohammed Al-Tamimi said the announced outcomes mark an important milestone in the Kingdom’s scientific journey, reflecting its commitment to advanced research, innovation and international collaboration in line with Vision 2030.

The agency said work is continuing on the remaining experiments, with additional results expected to be announced in regional and international scientific forums, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a growing hub for space science and technology.