Science and Technology Tech

After nine days in orbit, SpaceX cosmonauts returned to Earth

Among them also a Saudi scientist: first time ever

31/05/2023

Reuters

The four astronauts of the private SpaceX mission have returned to earth. Among them was a Saudi woman. After a nine-day trip to the International Space Station, the capsule carrying the four parachuted into the Gulf of Mexico.

The Saudi government has paid a millionaire bill for its two astronauts: Rayyanah Barnawi, a stem cell researcher who became the first Saudi woman in space, and fighter pilot Ali al-Qarni.

Among the cosmonauts was an entrepreneur from Knoxville, Tennessee, John Shoffner, who paid out of his own pocket for his trip to the space station. The ticket holders were accompanied by retired NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who now works for the Houston company that chartered the flight, Axiom Space. Axiom expects to send more customers later this year.