The Saudi Space Agency has announced the successful launch of the winning experiments from its “Madak Space” competition to the International Space Station (ISS). The experiments lifted off on June 25, 2025, aboard an international mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. This milestone reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing scientific research, inspiring youth, and empowering emerging talent in the field of space sciences.
The mission carries ten scientific experiments designed and developed by students from Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world. These experiments were selected through the “Madak Space” competition, organized by the Saudi Space Agency in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk” and the “Ilmi” Center for Science Discovery and Innovation. Notably, the program was supervised by Rayyanah Barnawi, the first female Saudi astronaut and an ISS mission veteran, who previously conducted 14 experiments in microgravity. Her leadership serves as an inspiration for young students to pursue STEM careers and push the boundaries of scientific discovery.
The competition attracted remarkable engagement, with over 80,000 students from the Arab world registering to participate. Submissions were divided across three unique tracks designed to encourage diverse exploration: “Bezel of Inspiration” (art, ages 6–11), “Bezel of Growth” (plants, ages 12–14), and “Bezel of Innovation” (engineering, ages 15–18). The students’ ideas were transformed into real experiments exploring how microgravity affects artistic expression, plant growth, and innovative engineering concepts.
This launch represents a significant step in the Saudi Space Agency’s broader strategy to strengthen the Kingdom’s role in international space initiatives and to cultivate a thriving, knowledge-based economy. It aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of preparing a capable generation to contribute effectively to the future of the space sector and to position the Kingdom as a regional hub for scientific innovation and collaboration.
By nurturing a culture of curiosity and discovery, “Madak Space” empowers young minds to imagine and build a future among the stars — while ensuring that the next generation of Arab scientists and innovators has a strong platform to shape the global space industry.
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