> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.saudiwins.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Rayyanah Barnawi: Saudi’s First Woman in Space & BioGravity Leader - URL: https://www.saudiwins.com/rayyanah-barnawi-saudis-first-woman-in-space-biogravity-leader/ - Published: 2025-08-05T22:02:58.000Z - Updated: 2025-08-05T22:02:58.000Z - Description: Discover how Rayyanah Barnawi, made history as the first Saudi and Arab Muslim woman in space. Her journey aboard Axiom Mission 2 and her work in microgravity science reflect Saudi Arabia’s ambition, female empowerment, and Vision 2030 innovation. - Author: Ameer Albahouth - Tags: Rising Stars, Inspiring Women, Space Exploration In a Kingdom rapidly evolving through science, technology, and leadership, [**Rayyanah Barnawi**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayyanah-barnawi-64827477/?ref=saudiwins.com) stands as a symbol of aspiration. Her journey to the [International Space Station (ISS](https://www.saudiwins.com/saudi-arabia-ranks-first-in-global-tourism-revenue-growth-a-vision-2030-milestone/)) 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](https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%86%D8%AD%D9%88%5F%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B6%D8%A7%D8%A1?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=saudiwins.com) > > Grandma, i flew your earrings to space 🤍[#KSA2Space](https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSA2Space?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=saudiwins.com) [pic.twitter.com/J4ZUNoSHlg](https://t.co/J4ZUNoSHlg?ref=saudiwins.com) > > — RAYYANAH BARNAWI (@Astro\_Rayyanah) [May 24, 2023](https://twitter.com/Astro%5FRayyanah/status/1661499918739972099?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=saudiwins.com) --- ## **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](https://www.otago.ac.nz/?ref=saudiwins.com) in New Zealand and later completed a master's in biomedical sciences at [Alfaisal University](https://www.alfaisal.edu/en/?ref=saudiwins.com) in Riyadh, where she focused on breast cancer stem-cell adhesion. Her professional journey began at [King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre](https://www.kfshrc.edu.sa/?ref=saudiwins.com), 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](https://ssa.gov.sa/en/home?path=/&ref=saudiwins.com), an appointment that would soon make history. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ce/6c/ce6c2436-4214-427e-b133-5b1ce84d451f/content/images/2025/07/image-10-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ce/6c/ce6c2436-4214-427e-b133-5b1ce84d451f/content/images/2025/07/------------------------------------------------------------------------------------_-------------1-1.webp) --- ## **Making History on Axiom Mission 2** On May 21, 2023, Rayyanah Barnawi lifted off from Cape Canaveral aboard [**SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Freedom**](https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/dragon/?ref=saudiwins.com) 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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ce/6c/ce6c2436-4214-427e-b133-5b1ce84d451f/content/images/2025/07/image-12.png) --- ## **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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ce/6c/ce6c2436-4214-427e-b133-5b1ce84d451f/content/images/2025/07/image-11.png) --- ## **Recognition and National Pride** Rayyanah Barnawi’s achievement didn’t go unnoticed. In September 2024, she was officially recognized by [**Guinness World Records**](https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2024/10/powerful-message-rayyanah-barnawi-sent-as-she-became-first-female-arab-astronaut-in-space?ref=saudiwins.com) as the **first female Arab astronaut**. She also received the **Visionary Award** from the [Middle East Institute](https://www.linkedin.com/company/middle-east-institute/?ref=saudiwins.com), honoring her role in elevating Arab representation in global science. Her achievement follows in the footsteps of [**Prince Sultan bin Salman**](https://www.arabnews.com/node/1691201/saudi-arabia?ref=saudiwins.com), 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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ce/6c/ce6c2436-4214-427e-b133-5b1ce84d451f/content/images/2025/07/image-14-1-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ce/6c/ce6c2436-4214-427e-b133-5b1ce84d451f/content/images/2025/07/image-15-1.png) --- ## **From Orbit to BioGravity: Building Local Impact** After returning to Earth on May 31, 2023, Rayyanah launched [**BioGravity**](https://ssa.gov.sa/en/initiative/?path=/initiatives-1/biogravity/&ref=saudiwins.com), the region’s first microgravity bioscience platform. Funded by the [**Saudi Space Agency**](https://ssa.gov.sa/en/home/?path=/&ref=saudiwins.com), 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 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ce/6c/ce6c2436-4214-427e-b133-5b1ce84d451f/content/images/2025/07/image-8.png) --- ## **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](https://www.saudiwins.com/tag/vision-2030/) 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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ce/6c/ce6c2436-4214-427e-b133-5b1ce84d451f/content/images/2025/07/image-13.png) --- ## **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**](https://www.instagram.com/astro%5Frayanah/?ref=saudiwins.com) **and** [**X**](https://x.com/astro%5Frayyanah?lang=en&ref=saudiwins.com)**, where she continues to inspire the next generation of Saudi scientists and explorers.**