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Saudi Astronauts Embark on Scientific Mission at ISS

The astronauts, aboard the Falcon 9 Rocket, head towards the International Space Station. (Saudi Space Authority)
The astronauts, aboard the Falcon 9 Rocket, head towards the International Space Station. (Saudi Space Authority)
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Saudi Astronauts Embark on Scientific Mission at ISS

The astronauts, aboard the Falcon 9 Rocket, head towards the International Space Station. (Saudi Space Authority)
The astronauts, aboard the Falcon 9 Rocket, head towards the International Space Station. (Saudi Space Authority)

The long-awaited moment has arrived for Saudi Arabia’s inaugural scientific expedition into space following a 16-hour journey since the triumphant launch of the Crew Dragon spacecraft.

The spacecraft is carrying Saudi Arabia and the Arab world's first female astronaut, Rayana Bernawi, and Saudi fighter pilot Ali Al-Qarni.

With the crew now united with their fellow astronauts on the orbiting laboratory, they are ready to embark upon their scientific, research, and humanitarian endeavors.

The Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) successfully reached the ISS, as revealed by live footage which captured the momentous occasion.

US astronauts Peggy Whitson and John Shoffner complete the four-member crew.

Bernawi and Al-Qarni expressed their joy upon successfully reaching the ISS and preparing to commence their scientific mission.

The two Saudi astronauts carry the hopes of their fellow Saudis and eagerly anticipate benefiting humanity through the outcomes of the experiments and scientific research they are set to conduct during this historic mission.

Surrounded by the jubilant ISS crew, Al-Qarni joyfully celebrated the successful arrival and integration into the team.

In an onboard Arabic speech, he expressed pride in representing Saudi Arabia, highlighting the Kingdom’s dedication to the aerospace industry.

“We have reached this milestone, poised to conduct scientific experiments that will yield beneficial outcomes for humanity,” said Al-Qarni.

For her part, Bernawi shared that she embodies the aspirations of all Saudis in this mission following 10 months of meticulous preparation and training.

“We are living a once-improbable dream, made possible by the support of Saudi leadership and the encouragement of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” she said.

“Through this mission, we represent all Saudis and Arabs, forging a path towards scientific discoveries that benefit humanity,” she added.

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Bloody Fingers Are Just Part of the Game in This Traditional German Sport 

Men try to pull the opponent over the table at the German Championships in Fingerhakeln or finger wrestling, in Pang, near Rosenheim, Germany, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP)
Men try to pull the opponent over the table at the German Championships in Fingerhakeln or finger wrestling, in Pang, near Rosenheim, Germany, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP)
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Bloody Fingers Are Just Part of the Game in This Traditional German Sport 

Men try to pull the opponent over the table at the German Championships in Fingerhakeln or finger wrestling, in Pang, near Rosenheim, Germany, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP)
Men try to pull the opponent over the table at the German Championships in Fingerhakeln or finger wrestling, in Pang, near Rosenheim, Germany, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP)

Men in short leather pants and embroidered suspenders risked dislocated digits Sunday as they vied for the top prize at Germany's championship in the sport of fingerhakeln, or finger wrestling.

Around 180 competitors took part in Sunday’s 64th German championship in Pang, about an hour’s drive southwest of Munich.

It's thought that finger wrestling, popular in Germany’s Alpine region and neighboring Austria, originated as a way to settle disputes. The earliest depictions of the sport go back to the 19th century. Participants on Sunday wore the traditional Bavarian dress known as tracht.

Two competitors sit on opposite sides of a table and each hooks one finger — usually the middle finger — through a small leather loop. As soon as a referee signals the start, each contestant tries to pull the other across the table swiftly. The whole thing usually lasts a few seconds, and dislocated fingers are common.

Special attendants sit behind each athlete to catch them should one of them suddenly lose his grip and fly backwards. The winner moves to the next round. By custom, only men take part.

Today fingerhakeln is highly organized and follows strict rules starting with exactly defined measurements for both the table and the leather loop. In Sunday's championship, there were several winners in different weight and age categories.

There are nine clubs in Germany and another four in neighboring Austria, says Georg Hailer, chairman of Germany's oldest and biggest club, Fingerhakler Schlierachgau.

“It’s not dangerous at all,” Hailer said. “Of course, there will be open wounds and small injuries on the fingers from time to time. It looks worse than it really is, because there’s blood.”

It's not just brute force but skill too, said Maximilian Woelfl, a wrestler from the Bavarian town of Laufach.

“There are different techniques — how do I sit at the table?” he said. “How do I transfer my power as quickly as possible to the loop? And of course you need a well-trained finger.”

Competitors warm up by hoisting heavy blocks or pulling on cables with their competition finger.

Later this summer, the Bavarian championships in Mittenwald will once again demand all the strength that the athletes can muster — and perhaps a few patches of skin.