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Saudi Space Agency announces return of Arab students' experiments from ISS

The mission featured ten diverse student-led experiments, including scientific research and creative artistic endeavours submitted by students from Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations. The Saudi Space Agency has announced the successful completion and safe return to Earth of a series of microgravity experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS) by student winners from Saudi Arabia and various Arab countries. These projects were part of the “Madak Space” competition, marking a significant step in Arab youth participation in space exploration. The experiments returned following the conclusion of the AX-4 mission, which carried them into orbit. Organised in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) and the Misk-affiliated Science Discovery and Innovation Centre (Ilmi), the initiative aimed to empower youth across the Kingdom and the Arab region. The competition encouraged young participants to explore the intersection of science, engineering, and the arts in space, fostering a deeper connection between Arab creativity and the future of space research. A total of ten diverse experiments, ranging from scientific research to creative art projects, were selected through a rigorous evaluation process led by local and international experts. The submissions were assessed for their originality, feasibility in a space environment, and potential to inspire both scientific inquiry and artistic innovation. The experiments were carried out onboard the ISS by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, with direct supervision from Saudi astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi and support from the Saudi Space Agency’s scientific teams. As the first initiative of its kind in the Arab world, Madak Space opened doors for student involvement in the space sector across three key tracks: arts, plants, and engineering. In addition to offering hands-on learning experiences, the program helped build scientific capacity and technological skills among youth in the region. This milestone project represents a broader vision to cultivate the next generation of researchers, innovators, and space explorers in Saudi Arabia and the wider Arab world.