Fyodor Spacecraft Prepares to Dock with ISS

Humanoid robot Fyodor prepares for the Soyuz MS-14 orbital flight to the International Space Station. (Getty Images)
Humanoid robot Fyodor prepares for the Soyuz MS-14 orbital flight to the International Space Station. (Getty Images)
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Fyodor Spacecraft Prepares to Dock with ISS

Humanoid robot Fyodor prepares for the Soyuz MS-14 orbital flight to the International Space Station. (Getty Images)
Humanoid robot Fyodor prepares for the Soyuz MS-14 orbital flight to the International Space Station. (Getty Images)

Fyodor, the first humanoid robot to partake in a space mission, lost a chance to be named "the first robot to join the International Space Station crew" after the Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft carrying it, failed to dock with the station.

Fyodor was preparing for a second docking attempt scheduled on Tuesday morning, stated the NASA and Roscosmos.

On August 22, the Soyuz spacecraft embarked on a mission to the ISS, carrying Fyodor and its small companion.

Once it arrives to the ISS, the humanoid robot is supposed to start its tasks including sending measures remotely, determining the mission's safety signals and taking part in experiments that will be used while working in open space.

Two days after the launch, Soyuz reached the right orbit to dock with the ISS. However, a malfunction stopped it when it was only 60 meters away and prompted astronauts to keep it at a safe distance.

Three astronauts - Russian, Italian and American - have completed the necessary training before the second docking attempt.

The astronauts on board the station have relocated some of their units as part of preparations for the operation, which is supposed to end with Fyodor moving from Soyuz to the International Space Station, becoming the first robot to carry out missions within the station crew.

The Russian robot is supposed to stay there until September 7 before returning to Earth.

The manufacture of the robot Fyodor started in 2014. At the request of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, it was later decided to train and develop it to be the first robot to partake in a space flight. Fyodor will also be used in the missions of the Federatsiya spacecraft being manufactured as part of the program of lunar manned flights.



Turki Alalshikh Honored as ‘Most Influential Personality of the Decade’ at MENA Effie Awards

Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Turki Alalshikh Honored as ‘Most Influential Personality of the Decade’ at MENA Effie Awards

Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)

In a landmark global achievement, Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, was named the “Most Influential Personality of the Decade” during the MENA Effie Awards ceremony.

Theprestigious honor recognizes his transformative contributions to the Kingdom’s entertainment sector and his pivotal role in its development and international prominence.

The MENA Effie Awards, renowned for celebrating impact and creativity across the Middle East and North Africa, distinguishes individuals whose efforts have delivered exceptional and lasting contributions over the past decade.

Alalshikh’s recognition underscores his status as one of the most influential figures in global entertainment and reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing impact on the international cultural and entertainment landscape.

Under his leadership, the General Entertainment Authority has played a key role in enhancing the quality of life in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. His efforts have established a world-class entertainment ecosystem, bolstering the national economy and fostering sustainable development.

Since the launch of Riyadh Season 2024 in October, spearheaded by Alalshikh, the event has attracted unprecedented global attention. In less than a month, approximately 6 million visitors attended, showcasing the event’s extraordinary appeal to both local and international audiences.

The season features thousands of events, ranging from concerts and art exhibitions to theater performances and family-friendly activities. Riyadh Season 2024 includes five main zones—Boulevard World, Kingdom Arena, Boulevard City, The Venue, and Al-Suwaidi Park—each offering a distinctive and immersive experience.

During its opening week, the season set a record with 2 million visitors, highlighting the public’s enthusiasm for this eagerly awaited event.