Axiom Space has launched its second space mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This is the third special mission sent to the ISS, and the crew includes Rayyanah Barnawi, a biomedical researcher and also the first female astronaut of the Saudi Space Commission. And Barnawi also made history as the 600th person to orbit the Earth.
Axiom-2’s mission included former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson as mission commander, John Shoffner as pilot, and Ali AlQarni, also from the Saudi Space Commission, as the first mission expert. Shoffner and AlQarni are also the 598th and 599th humans to orbit Earth, respectively, for making their first flights, while Barnawi, the 2nd mission specialist, takes 600th place.
At this point, however, it may be important to emphasize that we are talking about completing the orbit around the planet. When you count all the people crossing the Kármán line, which is used to define the 100 kilometer point between Earth and space, you have to add in the 32 people who flew with Blue Origin’s New Shepard. However, these flights were suborbital and only took people into space and back again.
“I never thought I’d go to space, it feels like a dream come true,” Barnawi said in a video before launch. It’s a really strong feeling. To be honest, it feels like I represent the goals and passions of all Saudis. It is a great honor for all women and all researchers to be able to go to space and at the same time be able to do the things you love most.”
The Axiom-2 mission will last 12 days and will host many different research projects during this time. Some focus on rare atmospheric phenomena, while others include items on astronauts, such as test suits that dampen microgravity. There are also a few experiments in the life sciences, such as the effect of microgravity on stem cells and cancer. These are among the areas of expertise of Barnawi, who, after his master’s degree, worked on cancer stem cell research at King Faisal Specialized Hospital and Research Center for nine years.
Axiom-2 is expected to return to Earth by landing in the Atlantic Ocean in early June.
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