Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Space Agency announced on Tuesday the successful execution and safe return of scientific experiments conducted in microgravity by 10 student winners from Saudi Arabia and several Arab countries, as part of the “Madak Space” competition.

The experiments were carried out aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and returned to Earth following the conclusion of the AX-4 mission.

This pioneering initiative — launched in partnership with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) and the Ilmi Center for Science Discovery and Innovation, a Misk affiliate — aimed to empower youth across the Arab world by enabling them to carry out space-based experiments that combine the disciplines of art, engineering, and plant science.

The goal was to foster Arab creativity and inspire deeper engagement with the future of space exploration.

The mission featured 10 diverse student-led experiments, including scientific research and creative projects, submitted by students from Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations.

The selected projects underwent rigorous scientific and artistic evaluation by experts from the Kingdom and abroad.

Selection criteria included the quality of the idea, feasibility in a space environment, and potential to inspire future innovation.

Veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson conducted the experiments during her stay aboard the ISS, under the direct supervision of Saudi astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi and with technical oversight from the Saudi Space Agency’s scientific teams.

“Madak Space,” the first competition of its kind in the Arab world, significantly enhanced student engagement in the space sector.

Through its three tracks — arts, plants, and engineering — the competition offered educational and practical opportunities that support the development of national and regional scientific capabilities.