Riyadh: The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) has announced the results of 11 research papers: nine national and two international, and a patent stemming from scientific experiments conducted as part of Saudi Arabia's landmark space mission SSA-HSF1 launched in 2023.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the mission comprised 19 pioneering scientific experiments carried out aboard the International Space Station by Saudi astronauts, covering three main research tracks: biomedical sciences, human health, and science and technology. Several of the experiments were conducted in partnership with local and international research institutions. Scientific teams are continuing to study and analyze the remaining experimental data, with further results to be announced at a later stage.
The Saudi Space Agency Human Space Flight 1 (SSA-HSF1) marked a pivotal milestone in the Kingdom's scientific journey. Aboard the International Space Station, the microgravity environment created a laboratory that accelerated results and enhanced the quality of scientific discoveries, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals of supporting scientific research, innovation, and technology localization.
In the biomedical track, results included a successful experiment measuring blood-based biomarkers to assess human health indicators in space and the manufacturing of a high-precision nanomaterial surpassing Earth-based standards for cartilage repair applications in cooperation with international research institutions. Outcomes also included the first-ever gene transfer experiment for stem cells conducted in space in collaboration with international research centers.
Additionally, the experiments demonstrated the feasibility of using simple, low-cost laboratory tools to conduct advanced medical research in space, paving the way for developing innovative preventive protocols and new treatments for neurological and immune-related diseases.
Within the science and technology track, the cloud-seeding experiment in microgravity, executed using a novel technique for the first time, demonstrated the efficiency of the reaction between water vapor and silver iodide. The findings provided new data on how gravity affects water vapor condensation, laying the scientific groundwork for advanced cloud-seeding technologies to support water security. The experiment offers climate solutions applicable on Earth as well as future lunar settlements on the Moon and Mars.
In the human health track, six experiments explored the effects of short-duration spaceflights on the human brain. These included measuring intracranial pressure through pupillary responses, significant changes during the spaceflight, as well as the increase in optic nerve sheath diameter, which indicates elevated intracranial pressure. Experiments covered studying cerebral perfusion to determine the impact of cognitive tasks in microgravity.
Researchers also conducted an experiment on the effect of the space environment on telomere length in collaboration with international partners to detect changes associated with cellular aging, thereby enhancing understanding of early aging processes. During the mission, some experiments focused on measuring the brain's electrical activity and monitoring its integrity during the spaceflight, as well as testing the effectiveness of new devices being used in space for the first time.
These experiments provide precise scientific data that contribute to the development of early detection methods for neurological disorders, while enhancing understanding of spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), which poses a significant health challenge for long-duration missions, particularly in planning exploratory missions to the Moon and beyond.
Acting CEO of the SSA Dr. Mohammed Al-Tamimi stated that the announced results mark an important milestone in the Kingdom's journey toward leadership in space research. He added that the announcement reflects the Kingdom's commitment to leading advanced research efforts that serve humanity and strengthen international partnerships in science and technology. Al-Tamimi emphasized the SSA's commitment to empowering national talent, expanding scientific collaboration, and translating research outcomes into practical applications that deliver tangible benefits both on Earth and in space.
The space agency confirmed that work is ongoing to complete the study and analysis of the remaining experiments conducted during the mission, with results to be announced in local and international scientific circles. The SSA noted that these scientific advances enhance the Kingdom's position as a regional and global hub in science and technology and as an active participant in space exploration and the development of a sustainable and prosperous space future.