Mishaal Ashemimry: The First Saudi Female Aerospace Engineer Inspiring a Nation

In a nation reaching for the stars, both metaphorically and literally, few stories embody the spirit of Vision 2030 like that of Mishaal Ashemimry. As the first female aerospace engineer in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and a global authority on space technologies, Mishaal is not only breaking barriers but also redefining the boundaries of what is possible for Saudi youth, women, and the region at large.

Early Life and Education

Mishaal Ashemimry's fascination with space began at the tender age of six, under the starlit skies of Unayzah. That formative moment lit a lifelong passion. She would go on to earn not just one but three degrees from the Florida Institute of Technology: dual Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mathematics, and a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering. Her graduate work delved into nuclear thermal propulsion, focusing on NERVA-type reactors and grooved-ring reactor designs, and investigating the thermal properties of para- and ortho-hydrogen.

Her academic excellence led her to work with NASA during her studies, marking her as the first Saudi woman of Saudi origin to contribute to NASA’s mission. These milestones laid a strong scientific and technical foundation that would guide her career and her contributions to national space strategies.

Founding an Aerospace Company

After beginning her professional journey at Raytheon Missiles & Defense in Arizona, where she contributed to 22 missile and rocket programs, Mishaal founded her own aerospace company, MISHAAL Aerospace, in Miami. At just 26 years old, she set out to develop rockets capable of launching small satellites (up to 500 kg) into Low Earth Orbit. Her M-Rocket Series featured innovative hybrid propulsion systems, and her company successfully completed static testing of the M-SV rocket engine.

Her entrepreneurial venture was not just about innovation but also sovereignty: to provide satellite launch capabilities in a field largely dominated by a few global players. Although the company is currently on pause pending funding, its legacy remains a testament to her pioneering spirit.

“When I left Raytheon [in 2010] it was difficult to find other jobs. I was faced with either moping around and waiting until an opening at some aerospace company became available, or start my own. I was faced with either leading or following; I chose leading.” — Mishaal Ashemimry

Leading Saudi Space Strategy

Today, Mishaal holds the prestigious role of Managing Director of the Center for Space Futures in Riyadh, where she guides strategic space investments and program development. She also serves as an Aerospace Consultant for the Saudi Space Commission, where she has helped develop a comprehensive national space strategy. This includes building roadmaps, allocating budgets, creating space programs, and advising leadership on implementation.

Championing Global Inclusion in STEM

Beyond her engineering acumen, Mishaal is an advocate for inclusivity, education, and empowerment. As Vice President for Diversity Initiatives at the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), she co-founded the IDEA Committee, which promotes Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility in the space industry. Her leadership at the IAF underscores a commitment to shaping a future space economy that welcomes diverse voices.

Inspiring Through Media and Mentorship

She also starred as a finalist on the TV reality series "The Astronauts", mentored by Canadian astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield. Competing in real astronaut challenges across the UAE, Russia, and the US, she emerged as one of the top three candidates, a testament to her physical, psychological, and technical capabilities.

In 2019, she served as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami, teaching advanced courses in flight dynamics and aircraft design, and further cementing her role as a STEM educator.

“Explorations can unlock answers and fill gaps about our universe, solar system and origins. It is the curiosity to know more that appeals to me.”

Scientific Contributions in the U.S.

Mishaal’s scientific expertise spans advanced aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), missile technology, and nuclear propulsion. Her roles at Raytheon and Northrop Grumman placed her at the heart of US aerospace innovation. At Northrop Grumman, she consulted on space nuclear power and propulsion (SNPP), developing feasibility studies, technology strategies, and national security applications for the US Air Force Research Laboratory and the US Space Force.

She also assessed international capabilities in nuclear propulsion, evaluating Chinese and Russian progress, making her a critical voice in global aerospace policy and national security.

Shaping Saudi Aerospace and Defense

In parallel, Mishaal has consulted with Saudi Arabia’s Military Industries Corporation, where she led technology transfer initiatives to transition the company into a modern private defense entity. Her expertise bridges national strategy, scientific advancement, and defense technology, making her a linchpin in Saudi Arabia’s space and security ecosystem.

Through these roles, she ensures that Saudi Arabia not only participates in but helps define the future of aerospace technology.

Educating and Inspiring on YouTube

In a region where STEM outreach is still gaining ground, Mishaal is a transformative voice. Her YouTube channel with nearly 100,000 subscribers, breaks down complex scientific ideas for a wide Arabic-speaking audience.

From exploring “Why Satellites Don’t Fall” to unraveling “Electric Propulsion” and discussing the "Islamic Scientific Renaissance," her videos provide high-quality science communication in a culturally resonant format. She also addresses career questions, personal development, and her own experiences as a woman in aerospace, thereby humanizing the field and making it accessible.

Expanding Her Reach Through Social Media

Mishaal’s influence continues to grow across digital platforms. In 2023, she joined Snapchat’s prestigious pool of creators known as Snap Stars. With over 25 million monthly Snapchat users in Saudi Arabia alone, she uses the platform to encourage her followers, especially youth and women, to pursue their dreams boldly and unapologetically.

A large portion of her content is shared in Arabic, reinforcing her cultural connection and widening her impact. Her growing social media presence reflects not just a quest for recognition, but a mission to inspire curiosity, confidence, and ambition in the next generation of changemakers.

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Recognition and Legacy

Mishaal Ashemimry's contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2015, she was named "Inspirational Woman of the Year" by the Arab Woman Awards. In 2018, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud honored her for Scientific Achievement, recognition at the highest national level.

Her career is a model of global-local synergy: blending U.S.-based scientific knowledge with national development back home. Whether as a consultant, educator, engineer, or communicator, her legacy is already shaping Saudi Arabia’s place in the global space race.

And yet, she’s not done.

A Celestial Journey Aligned with Vision 2030

Mishaal Ashemimry exemplifies the aspirations of Vision 2030: bold, strategic, inclusive, and future-oriented. Her path is a beacon for Saudi youth, especially young women, showing what is possible when dreams are matched with discipline, and vision is powered by knowledge.

She is not just designing rockets, she is designing the future.

Follow her journey on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.