RIYADH: The Saudi Space Commission has revealed the tasks and scientific research that will be conducted during the journey of Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al Qarni as part of a mission to the International Space Station later this year.
The commission announced that the two astronauts would carry out 11 pioneering experiments in microgravity during the flight, the results of which would help to enhance the Kingdom’s global position within space exploration and service to humanity.
Saudi astronaut, Rayyanah Barnawi. (SPA)
Officials noted that the Saudi tests in space would range from human research and cell science to artificial rain in microgravity.
In the artificial rain experiment, water vapor will be condensed on plankton and salt atoms in microgravity to simulate the cloud seeding process that is used in Saudi Arabia and other countries to increase precipitation rates.
Led by Dr. Ashraf Farahat, the trial is for the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and will help scientists and researchers devise new ways to provide suitable conditions for humans †including the work of artificial rain †to live in space colonies on the surface of the Moon and Mars.
