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)
TT
20

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.



Lion Attacks Woman in Australian Zoo, Severely Injuring her Arm

FILE PHOTO: A view of the city skyline of Brisbane, Australia, July 4, 2021. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A view of the city skyline of Brisbane, Australia, July 4, 2021. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy/File Photo
TT
20

Lion Attacks Woman in Australian Zoo, Severely Injuring her Arm

FILE PHOTO: A view of the city skyline of Brisbane, Australia, July 4, 2021. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A view of the city skyline of Brisbane, Australia, July 4, 2021. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy/File Photo

A woman has sustained severe injuries to an arm when she was attacked by a lion at an Australian zoo.

The Darling Downs Zoo in Queensland state said the 50-year-old woman was watching animal keepers working in the zoo’s carnivore precinct before opening hours Sunday morning when she was attacked.

She was flown by helicopter from the rural town of Pilton to the state capital Brisbane where she underwent surgery. Her condition was stable, the zoo said in a statement Sunday. Several news media reported the woman lost the injured arm.

The zoo said staff were working with government workplace safety investigators to determine how the incident happened. The state government confirmed an investigation was underway.

“Inexplicably, at this stage, one animal grabbed her by one arm and caused severe damage to it,” the zoo statement said.

“At no stage did this animal leave its enclosure and there was no risk at all to staff members or members of the public.”

The woman was not a staff member but a “much loved member” of the zoo’s “family,” the statement added, according to The Associated Press.

She had watched keepers at work many times over the past 20 years and was “well versed in safety protocols around potentially dangerous animals,” the zoo said.

Staff at the 48-hectare (119-acre) zoo declined media interviews on Monday.

The zoo planned to reopen Tuesday for the first time since the attack.

“The animal will definitely not be put down or punished in any way,” the statement said.

Five years ago, two lions mauled and critically injured a keeper inside their enclosure at the Shoalhaven Zoo in the state of New South Wales.