Rayyanah Barnawi: Saudi’s First Woman in Space & BioGravity Leader

In a Kingdom rapidly evolving through science, technology, and leadership, Rayyanah Barnawi stands as a symbol of aspiration. Her journey to the International Space Station (ISS) is a national milestone and a global message. As Saudi Arabia positions itself as a regional leader in space, Barnawi represents the Kingdom’s readiness to lead not just through policy and infrastructure, but through people. Bold, visionary, and deeply grounded in purpose.

حلّقت بحلق جدتي للفضاء 🤍#نحو_الفضاء

Grandma, i flew your earrings to space 🤍#KSA2Space pic.twitter.com/J4ZUNoSHlg

— RAYYANAH BARNAWI (@Astro_Rayyanah) May 24, 2023

A Biomedical Scientist Turned Astronaut Pioneer

Born in 1988, Barnawi pursued a career in science long before she was launched into the spotlight. She earned a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences from the University of Otago in New Zealand and later completed a master's in biomedical sciences at Alfaisal University in Riyadh, where she focused on breast cancer stem-cell adhesion.

Her professional journey began at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, where she worked for nearly a decade as a researcher in cancer stem-cell studies. These years laid the foundation for her selection as a mission specialist in 2023 by the Saudi Space Commission, an appointment that would soon make history.

Making History on Axiom Mission 2

On May 21, 2023, Rayyanah Barnawi lifted off from Cape Canaveral aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Freedom as part of Axiom Space’s second private mission to the ISS. The moment marked her as the first Saudi woman, first Arab Muslim woman, and 600th human to orbit Earth.

Barnawi spent 9 days, 5 hours, and 27 minutes aboard the ISS, conducting 14 scientific experiments in microgravity, including research on immune-cell behavior and how microgravity affects breast cancer cells. One of her key focuses was to explore how stem cells behave differently in space, a study with potential to unlock better diagnostics and therapies for cancer back on Earth.

A Mission for the Nation’s Youth

Rayyanah’s time in orbit was broadcast into classrooms and lecture halls across the Kingdom. Through a series of live satellite connections, she led interactive STEM experiments that engaged more than 12,000 Saudi students across 47 educational institutions. These real-time experiments allowed children to observe gravity-defying physics, space biology, and fluid dynamics, sparking imagination and a love for science among the next generation.

She didn’t just represent scientists. She represented students. Girls in science. Arab youth with big dreams.

A Voice for Women in Science and Space

From her earliest public appearances to her moments aboard the ISS, Barnawi spoke with the clarity of someone who knew what her presence meant.

“This trip does not represent me alone, but rather the entire Arab world and all Saudis. We are living a dream that once seemed impossible but has become reality,” she said after landing.

In a video recorded in orbit, she encouraged others to follow:

“To the people around the world, the future is very bright. I would like you to dream big, believe in yourselves and believe in humanity.”

These words struck a chord, particularly among Arab women who had never seen themselves represented in space. Her mission was was cultural, symbolic, and emotional.

Recognition and National Pride

Rayyanah Barnawi’s achievement didn’t go unnoticed. In September 2024, she was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the first female Arab astronaut. She also received the Visionary Award from the Middle East Institute, honoring her role in elevating Arab representation in global science.

Her achievement follows in the footsteps of Prince Sultan bin Salman, who became the first Saudi in space in 1985. Barnawi’s mission brought with it not only national pride but also global visibility for the Kingdom’s new approach, one that centers education, gender inclusion, and research-driven innovation.

From Orbit to BioGravity: Building Local Impact

After returning to Earth on May 31, 2023, Rayyanah launched BioGravity, the region’s first microgravity bioscience platform. Funded by the Saudi Space Agency, BioGravity fosters global scientific collaboration and advances medical solutions to improve health both on Earth and in space.

As its supervising astronaut and key architect, she oversees workshops and educational programs, including the "Towards Space" workshop, designed to connect scientists, students, and innovators across Saudi Arabia and beyond. She is also the public face and ambassador for BioGravity, leading its educational series and acting as the outreach representative for the Saudi Space Agency in promoting national bioscience R&D

What Her Journey Means for Saudi Arabia

Rayyanah Barnawi is more than an astronaut. She is a Saudi woman of science, a STEM ambassador, and a global role model. Her mission aligns seamlessly with Vision 2030’s goals to foster a knowledge economy, empower women, and position Saudi Arabia as a hub for innovation and space exploration.

Her background in cancer research shows that Saudi scientists are leading global breakthroughs. Her live outreach from the ISS shows that Saudi education is becoming more interactive, international, and future-ready.

And her very presence aboard a SpaceX shuttle shows the world that Saudi women are pushing boundaries.

Milestones That Define a Pioneer

• Visionary Researcher
  Nearly 10 years in cancer stem‑cell research before astronaut selection
• Historic Achievements
  First Saudi and Arab Muslim woman in space; 600th person to orbit Earth
• Educational Pioneer
  Engaged 12,000+ students in STEM experiments live from space
• Scientific Innovator
  Launched BioGravity to bring space-based science to local labs
• Global Ambassador
  Honored with a Guinness World Record and praised across the Arab world

Follow her journey and future missions on Instagram and X, where she continues to inspire the next generation of Saudi scientists and explorers.