Rayyanah BARNAWI

Saudi Space Agency (SSA) • Astronaut

Rayyanah Barnawi is a Saudi biomedical researcher and astronaut who made history as the first Saudi woman and first Arab Muslim woman to orbit Earth. Her journey from biomedical research to space exploration reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing ambitions in science and innovation.

Barnawi earned her bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from the University of Otago and a master’s from Alfaisal University, focusing on breast cancer stem-cell adhesion. She then spent nearly a decade conducting research at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre.

In May 2023, Barnawi launched aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Freedom to the International Space Station, where she conducted 20 scientific experiments in microgravity and engaged thousands of Saudi students through live STEM activities.

Following her mission, she continued advancing space life sciences through BioGravity, a Saudi platform focused on biomedical research in microgravity, national capability building, and scientific collaboration. She also supports youth engagement through MADAK, SSA’s space competition for Arab students, where winning experiments are launched to the ISS.

Today, Barnawi continues connecting biomedical science, space exploration and education through her PhD at KAUST university and through supporting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to advance microgravity research through missions to space with BioGravity Program for humanity worldwide today.

Events

77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026)

5 - 9 October 2026

Antalya, Türkiye

Participation: