Khalid bin Salman: Saudi Arabia Carrying out Historic Space Mission to Serve Humanity

Saudis watch the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon capsule, carrying four astronauts, two of whom are Saudi nationals, to the International Space Station, from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, US in an event organized to celebrate the first Saudi woman into Space in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 22, 2023. (Reuters)
Saudis watch the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon capsule, carrying four astronauts, two of whom are Saudi nationals, to the International Space Station, from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, US in an event organized to celebrate the first Saudi woman into Space in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 22, 2023. (Reuters)
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Khalid bin Salman: Saudi Arabia Carrying out Historic Space Mission to Serve Humanity

Saudis watch the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon capsule, carrying four astronauts, two of whom are Saudi nationals, to the International Space Station, from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, US in an event organized to celebrate the first Saudi woman into Space in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 22, 2023. (Reuters)
Saudis watch the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon capsule, carrying four astronauts, two of whom are Saudi nationals, to the International Space Station, from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, US in an event organized to celebrate the first Saudi woman into Space in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 22, 2023. (Reuters)

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman stressed on Monday that the Kingdom was carrying out a historic space mission to serve humanity as the International Space Station welcomed two Saudi visitors, including the Kingdom's first female astronaut.

In a tweet, he said that the mission was a success through the support of the Saudi leadership and people.

The mission holds promising prospects for discovering space and encouraging scientific research, he added.

Nothing has ever been impossible for Saudi Arabia, he stressed, while wishing Rayana Bernawi and Ali Al-Qarni success in their mission.

SpaceX's chartered flight arrived at the orbiting lab less than 16 hours after blasting off from Florida. The four guests will spend just over a week there, before returning to Earth in their capsule.

“This shows how space brings everyone together,” said Bernawi, a stem cell researcher. “I'm going to live this experience to the max.”

Fighter pilot Ali al-Qarni dedicated the visit to everyone back home. “This mission is not just for me and Rayana. This mission is also for the people with ambition and dreams.”



Friendly Labrador Aldo Calms Ecuadorean Kids at Dentist's Office

Patient Samuel Ayala pets Aldo, a therapy Labrador Retriever, after a pediatric dental session at a private clinic aimed at easing children's fears during dental procedures, in Quito, Ecuador October 22, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro
Patient Samuel Ayala pets Aldo, a therapy Labrador Retriever, after a pediatric dental session at a private clinic aimed at easing children's fears during dental procedures, in Quito, Ecuador October 22, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro
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Friendly Labrador Aldo Calms Ecuadorean Kids at Dentist's Office

Patient Samuel Ayala pets Aldo, a therapy Labrador Retriever, after a pediatric dental session at a private clinic aimed at easing children's fears during dental procedures, in Quito, Ecuador October 22, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro
Patient Samuel Ayala pets Aldo, a therapy Labrador Retriever, after a pediatric dental session at a private clinic aimed at easing children's fears during dental procedures, in Quito, Ecuador October 22, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro

An affable honey-cream Labrador retriever named Aldo is helping young Ecuadorean children relax at the dentist's office, allowing them to cuddle up and stroke him to distract them from noisy machines and invasive oral procedures.
With some five years' experience in emotional support, 8-year-old Aldo understands some 30 commands and enjoys climbing on top of children sitting in his owner Glenda Arias' dental chair.
"Visits always tend to be traumatic, but Aldo brings tranquility and peace to my daughter," said mother Beatriz Armas. "These visits are totally pleasant for her."
Arias said Aldo's clinical involvement had helped transform the behavior of children attending her consultations.
"Aldo is essential," she said.