Saudi Astronauts Begin Their Space Mission With 14 Scientific Experiments
Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni started their scientific mission AX-2 on board the International Space Station this week. They will carry out 14 pioneering experiments in microgravity, out of which, three will be dedicated to educational motivational purposes with the participation of 12 thousand Saudi students in 42 different locations across the Kingdom in real time via satellites.
US Astronauts Peggy Whitson (commander) and John Shoffner (pilot) make up the rest of the Ax-2 aboard the ISS for the next several days.
To better understand the impact of being in space, in a microgravity and a high radiation environment, on the human brain and nervous system, the Saudi astronauts are conducting six experiments aboard the ISS. The research aims at evaluating the repercussions of space on human health and at evaluating the safety of such space trips on the human brain. It will utilize novel neuroscience tools including measuring blood flow to the brain and the brain's electrical activity, assess intracranial pressure by non-invasive assessment of the pupil of the eye, and monitor changes in the optic nerve over time in order to make these space trips safer for humans in the future.
The two Saudi astronauts will also do four cell science experiments to investigate the inflammatory response of human immune cells in microgravity. More specifically their research will be focused on changes in mRNA decay, a process that can turn inflammation off. In addition, response to therapy is mimicked by utilizing the same cellular model. The crew will take RNA samples for analysis on the ground, where the investigators will monitor RNA expression patterns, and excitedly thousands of mRNA half-lives will be measured. Results are expected to contribute to a better understanding of space health and uncover biomarkers or potential therapies for inflammatory diseases in both Space and Earth.
In the aim of improving researchers' understanding of rain-seeding technology, which will contribute to increasing rainfall in many countries, the two Saudi astronauts will lead an artificial rain experiment, in which water vapor will be condensed on plankton and salt atoms in microgravity that simulate the cloud seeding process that is used in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and many other countries to increase precipitation rates. Results 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.
Saudi Astronauts will Interact with Students from Space in Real Time
In addition to these experiments, and in order to develop further student knowledge of space science and its contribution to improving the quality of life on earth, three educational awareness experiments will be conducted aboard the ISS in real time with students across Saudi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Mawhiba, Riyadh Schools and Misk Schools. This real-time interaction ensures that students will have access to the Saudi crew live as they perform their experiments together, one on Earth, and one in space simultaneously.
SSC has stated that the mission of the two astronauts is considered to be the cornerstone of the Kingdom's space research and development. Their trip accomplishes the ambition of the Kingdom to initiate space exploration as the first middle eastern country and to become one of the world's leaders in space programs, at the service of humanity.
(Source: Saudi Space Commission news release. Images provided and from file)