Commercial, private space flights and missions spearhead space-based economy

Special Commercial, private space flights and missions spearhead space-based economy
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Two Saudi astronauts will be on a SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket aboard a Dragon spacecraft when the Axiom Mission 2 takes off on May 8 bound for the International Space Station. (NASA)
Special Commercial, private space flights and missions spearhead space-based economy
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Official photos of the Axiom Mission 2 (AX-2) crew (from left): Pilot John P. Shoffner, commander Peggy Wilson, mission specialist Rayyanah Barnawi, and mission specialist Ali Al-Qarni. (Supplied)
Special Commercial, private space flights and missions spearhead space-based economy
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The Dragon spacecraft that will carry the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket. (ESA)
Special Commercial, private space flights and missions spearhead space-based economy
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Space Perspective's Spaceship Neptune capsule, the world's first carbon-neutral space craft. (Supplied)
Special Commercial, private space flights and missions spearhead space-based economy
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Preparing for the mission. (Axiom photo)
Special Commercial, private space flights and missions spearhead space-based economy
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Preparing for the mission. (Axiom photo)
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Updated 08 April 2023
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Commercial, private space flights and missions spearhead space-based economy

Commercial, private space flights and missions spearhead space-based economy
  • Axiom Space will launch a planned private crew mission to the ISS, with two Saudi astronauts on board
  • Space tourism is increasing in popularity as costs drop and more infrastructure is built

JEDDAH: “Space: The final frontier,” are words many Star Trek fans worldwide know by heart. Though humanity is not yet in the year 2265, it’s an exciting time for the space industry as breakthrough aerospace discoveries are being made, a booming space economy is being established, and mankind is off on its next big adventure: outer space.

Humans have come a long way since the Sputnik satellite’s orbit around the Earth in 1957. Space exploration is reaching new heights today, exploring tourism ventures, private investment, and finding solutions to our Earthly problems through scientific experiments.




Axiom-2 mission patch. (Supplied)

With time and two superpowers’ unprecedented successes and failures, the US-Soviet space race dominated space exploration and planted a seed, or flag, for other nations to follow. After joining forces, the two superpowers built the largest structure in space, the International Space Station, but more recently they have been giving way to new players.

Now, 77 government space agencies with more than 600 astronauts, cosmonauts and taikonauts have made it beyond Earth’s orbit, with two more Saudi astronauts due to head into space on May 8.

Saudi astronaut and scientist Rayyanah Barnawi and mission specialist Ali Alqarni, graduates of the Kingdom’s inaugural national astronaut program, will join Peggy Whitson and John P. Shoffner on the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket aboard a Dragon spacecraft as part of the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) to the ISS.




The four astronauts

On Thursday, Axiom Space, a leading provider of human spaceflight services to the ISS and a developer of human-rated space infrastructure, hosted a virtual press conference on the upcoming mission, with leaders from NASA, SpaceX, and the Saudi Space Commission.

“On this mission, the most important thing we can do for the (Saudi) human spaceflight program is microgravity research and STEM outreach. From our side on the Saudi Space Commission, we are investigating 11 groundbreaking microgravity experiments. And we are also capitalizing on this opportunity to have an outreach with three experiments,” Mishaal Ashemimry, microgravity research lead at the Saudi Space Commission, said during the conference.

“The three experiments are meant to engage over 12,000 students across 47 different locations in Saudi Arabia, the goal of which is to have them participate in this mission, as well as enlighten them and plant the seed of curiosity in every child across Saudi Arabia, hopefully becoming future astronauts and future scientists that can enable us to do missions to the Moon and eventually Mars,” she added.

To prepare themselves for the rigors of their 37-hour spaceflight, the crew members who have not undergone the rigors of NASA training train specifically for the upcoming mission.

“The training that NASA astronauts receive starts with basic training, where they learn quite a bit about astronomics and other similar courses,” Axiom Space CEO and president Michael Suffredini told Arab News during the conference.




Signing of the partnership deal between Axiom Space and the Saudi Space Commission to send the first female Saudi astronaut to space. In the picture are Michael T. Suffredini (left), president & CEO of Axiom Space; Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha (center), Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology; and Dr. Saudi Al-Tamimi, governor of the Saudi Communication, Space and Technology Commission and Acting CEO for Saudi Space Commission. (Supplied)

He added that NASA astronauts also train extensively on ISS systems and other systems required on the station.

“Our astronauts trained for these particular missions are trained very specifically for the things they're going to do in orbit and the systems they’ll utilize,” Suffredini said.

“The reason why we brought in a professional astronaut, like Peggy in this case, (is that) they’re the ones that have to help them when they come across things that they’re not comfortable with or not sure about. Instead, we’re able to let the private astronauts train a little differently and focus on their mission, because we have a professional astronaut flying with them.”


ALSO READ: When a Saudi went to space


Sharing that sentiment, Ashemimry added: “Our astronauts train specifically for this mission and then for longer-duration missions. So, depending on the mission itself, and the opportunity, we train the astronauts for whatever they’re planning to do for that mission.

“So, to all of us, they are still astronauts, and they’re going to be doing their job and they’re going to fulfill the duties for this mission.”

The Ax-2 mission will be the first private space mission to include both private-sector astronauts and astronauts representing foreign governments. It is also the first private mission commanded by a woman.




Official photos of the Axiom Mission 2 (AX-2) crew (clockwise, from top left): Peggy Wilson, Ax-2 commander; Rayyanah Barnawi, mission specialist; Ali Al-Qarni, mission specialist; and John P. Shoffner, Ax-2 pilot. (Supplied) 

Once docked, the Axiom Space astronauts will spend 12 days aboard the ISS, carrying out an entire mission consisting of science, outreach and commercial activities.

Over the past few decades, scientists have invented numerous remarkable technologies aboard the ISS, many of which led to technological and scientific discoveries with significant impact on life on Earth.

Barnawi and Alqarni will conduct 14 experiments, including six studies focused on developing future therapeutic applications, four experiments studying immune dysfunction in tumor organoid models that can help to predict and prevent cancer, three on understanding how commercial spaceflight crew members adapt to microgravity, and one exploring cloud seeding in microgravity.

Space flight is now a venerable industry. As government agencies prioritize the moon, others are finding opportunities in commercial space flight. It is estimated that more than 10,000 firms and approximately 5,000 investors are involved in the space industry. Morgan Stanley estimates that the global space industry could generate revenue of more than $1 trillion in 2040, up from the current $350 billion.




Rayyanah Barnawi training to use specialized methods and equipment for preparing food in space. (Supplied)

What is coming next is truly the next frontier. Space tourism, a niche segment of the space economy and industry, has been operating for more than a decade, offering suborbital space flights. Companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic offer travelers a seat at a cost of tens of millions of dollars. Now, other companies are offering cheaper options to participate in similar spectacular experiences that are just as worthy as their more expensive counterparts.

Many experts believe we are experiencing a “space renaissance,” as technological solutions over the past decade have significantly reduced costs, allowing companies to think outside the box and offer cross-sector collaborations.

Lower costs have opened the door to start-ups while encouraging established aerospace companies to explore novel opportunities that once seemed too expensive or complicated.




Ali Alqarni (left) training for the mission. (Supplied)

But why go to space at all? One could argue that a virtual reality headset can offer similar views to those experienced by an astronaut.

“There are a number of reasons and, essentially, the core of our business is that we’re taking people to space to have that quintessential astronaut experience of seeing a planet in that context,” Jane Poynter, founder and co-CEO of space tourism company Space Perspective, told Arab News.

“Now they see the thin blue line of our atmosphere, they see the planet in the context of this incredible black void of space. When put in that context, that makes astronauts deeply connected with our planet, humanity and inhabitants.

“They come back and get involved in various environmental and social causes. That’s one way we’re going to address global challenges; we need to view them in a global context. That’s what space flight does for us.”

Space Perspective announced plans last June to take tourists up to the stratosphere aboard a balloon-borne pressurized capsule called Spaceship Neptune. Poynter told Arab News that the company is “an experience company” committed to providing access to space in mere hours, reaching an altitude of 100,000 feet using a hydrogen balloon.




Space Perspective's Spaceship Neptune capsule, the world's first carbon-neutral space craft. (Supplied)

The need for sustainability in space exploration and the exploitation of space is becoming more evident with the growing desire for the expansion of human activities beyond Earth’s orbit, which is being pursued by the public and private sectors alike.

What was once one of the biggest impediments to progress in space flights was the lack of deployable technologies enabling outposts to be established. Now, Space Perspective is manufacturing the world’s only carbon neutral spaceship dubbed Spaceship Neptune, at their facility located at the NASA Shuttle Landing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center.

“Right now, we’ve only seen around 650 people go to space,” said Poynter. “In just a couple of years, we’re going to start seeing thousands of people, many of whom never thought they were going to be able to go to space.”




Axiom Mission 2 pilot John P. Shoffner and mission commander Peggy Wilson reviewing their mission plan ahead of take-off. (Axiom photo)

She added that the company plans to expand operations at departure sites and has begun accepting bookings for 2025.

Poynter also noted that many people are curious about the possibility of traveling to space, a place she said many think is “out there and for others to pursue when, in fact, it’s attainable,” though there are challenges to overcome in scaling up operations.

She said: “Having thousands of people going to space is difficult to figure out, if they’re going to the International Space Station or one of the other stations being built.

“There are lots of business plans that are relying on at least hundreds of people, and we’re taking this from the mission to space for the few to the journey to space for the many.”

 


OIC calls for end to human rights ‘double standards’

A displaced Palestinian man rests next to a tent at a camp in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip Dec. 10, 2023. (Reuters)
A displaced Palestinian man rests next to a tent at a camp in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip Dec. 10, 2023. (Reuters)
Updated 10 December 2023
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OIC calls for end to human rights ‘double standards’

A displaced Palestinian man rests next to a tent at a camp in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip Dec. 10, 2023. (Reuters)
  • IPHRC voiced concerns after joining worldwide events to mark Human Rights Day 2023 on Dec. 10, the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

RIYADH: The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has condemned what it describes as double standards in applying human rights norms globally in light of the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip.

The IPHRC voiced its concerns after joining worldwide events to mark Human Rights Day 2023 on Dec. 10, the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In a statement, the commission said that after more than two months of Israeli aggression in Gaza, and more than 17,000 civilian casualties, the international community is failing in its responsibility to act on credible accounts of war crimes being committed by Israeli forces.

The commission urged the international community to intervene for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in the enclave.

It also described Israeli orders for civilians in Gaza to evacuate without basic necessities as a violation of International humanitarian law.

The commission voiced concern about human rights violations affecting millions worldwide, and cited the deteriorating conditions for Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, persistent violence and discrimination against Muslims in India, and the continued plight of Palestinians and Kashmiris under oppressive regimes.

The IPHRC called for an end to double standards in applying human rights norms globally, and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, the rule of law, and safeguarding fundamental freedoms.

It also highlighted the need for technological equality and equitable development for OIC member states and other developing nations, and urged the international community to prioritize bridging the technological divide, saying that developing countries face disparities in accessing cutting-edge technologies.

The commission urged member states to adopt innovative, rights-based approaches to address economic, social, and cultural challenges.


Korean Embassy hosts ‘Soul of Korea’ art exhibition in Riyadh

Korean Embassy hosts ‘Soul of Korea’ art exhibition in Riyadh
Updated 42 min 58 sec ago
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Korean Embassy hosts ‘Soul of Korea’ art exhibition in Riyadh

Korean Embassy hosts ‘Soul of Korea’ art exhibition in Riyadh

RIYADH: The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Riyadh is hosting the “Oasis/Minhwa Exhibition” at the city’s Ahlam Gallery, which highlights the work of Cho Miyoung.

The event, which also boasts the title “The Soul of Korea,” aims to share the beauty of Korean painting while evoking feelings of peace and serenity.

The works of art set out to promote cultural and mutual understanding through the beauty of Korean folk paintings that detail the various aspects of the country’s art.

Park Joon-yong, the South Korean ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News: “Cultural exchanges can enhance the ties between the two people and can expand into other fields of cooperation.”

The ambassador highlighted the pivotal role cultural exchange plays in strengthening mutual understanding, cooperation, and bilateral relations between countries such as Saudi Arabia and Korea.

He added: “(Through the exhibition) we are able to affirm that our two people have a friendly sentiment towards the other.

“It is a very good asset for our two people; our two countries also cooperate in many other areas as well.”

The ambassador added that last year the embassy showcased other areas of Korean art, which included hosting a video arts exhibition and one featuring ceramic painting.

He added: “This year we changed the art genre into folk painting. Folk painting is closer and more intimate for the Korean people.”

A diverse group of guests attended the opening of the exhibition, including Saudis, Koreans, Emiratis and Omanis, among others.

Cho told Arab News that through her art she was utilizing the Korean painting tradition of “minhwa” to showcase the healing power of nature.

Traditional folk art was used to wish for the health and good fortune of the family and prevent any harm being inflicted upon them.

The artist said that she had been inspired by the nature and people of Korea, and in staging the event she had seen the many cultural similarities between Saudi Arabia and Korea.

She added: “I am seeing the similarities, not the differences (in culture and people).

“I have been really touched by the way Saudis have greeted me and I feel their welcoming vibrations.”

The opening ceremony also witnessed a staff member at the Korean Embassy guiding guests through breathing exercises to promote health and well-being.

The exhibition is open to the public until Dec. 14.


Dialogue group honors 70 graduates in Lisbon

Dialogue group honors 70 graduates in Lisbon
Updated 10 December 2023
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Dialogue group honors 70 graduates in Lisbon

Dialogue group honors 70 graduates in Lisbon

RIYADH: The International Dialogue Center, or KAICIID, recently honored new graduates from its Fellows Programme, including Arab and African cohorts.

The ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal, was attended by KAICIID Secretary-General Zuhair Al-Harithi along with ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from various countries.

KAICIID honored 70 fellows from 37 countries. Training workshops, dialogue sessions, and journeys to various religious sites in Lisbon preceded the graduation ceremony.

The fellows’ dialogue initiatives were showcased, reflecting their commitment to creating bridges for mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.

KAICIID fellows also shared lessons learned during the implementation phase of initiatives.

Al-Harithi praised the fellows' dedication during a year of work and collaboration.

He said that KAICIID is proud of its graduates’ creativity and achievements, and views their initiatives as proof of their ability to foster peace and prosperity in their local communities.

The Fellows Programme is a year-long training scheme designed to build a network of leaders committed to fostering interreligious and intercultural dialogue.

Since its launch in 2015, it has equipped hundreds of fellows from 86 countries with the dialogue skills needed to tackle challenges such as hate speech and violent extremism.

Fellows can be part of international or regional cohorts, including the Arab region, Africa, Europe, South and Southeast Asia and Latin America.


NEOM CARE’s to support innovators in food industry

NEOM CARE’s to support innovators in food industry
Updated 10 December 2023
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NEOM CARE’s to support innovators in food industry

NEOM CARE’s to support innovators in food industry

RIYADH: NEOM CARE’s, a collaboration between NEOM, the innovation hub in northwest Saudi Arabia, and CARE’s, a global project founded by chefs Norbert Niederkofler and Paolo Ferretti, recently unveiled its sustainable gastronomy and food security manifesto. The launch occurred at Niederkofler’s new three-Michelin star establishment, Atelier Moessmer, in Bruneck, Italy.

The manifesto aims to create an enduring impact on the future of food in Saudi Arabia. It serves as a framework for sustainable practices in NEOM, the Kingdom, and globally. Focused on fostering food innovation and talent development, the manifesto outlines six key principles: people and leadership, facilities, water and energy, food supply, circular economy, and communications.

The NEOM CARE’s Award complements the manifesto, recognizing and celebrating the next wave of food industry professionals driving innovation and sustainability globally. This international award honors those making a significant positive impact across agriculture, food, and gastronomy.

The Award Council, co-chaired by Niederkofler and Juan Carlos Motamayor, executive director of the NEOM food sector, will define award categories, criteria, and selection methods.

Renowned members include three-star chef Dominque Crenn, ETH Zurich’s Prof. Sacha Menz, marine conservationist Mariasole Bianco, Prof. Rod Wing from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’s Center for Desert Agriculture, award-winning culinary historian Maricel Presilla, and NEOM Hotel Development’s executive director, Chris Newman.

Motamayor said: “The NEOM CARE’s partnership is ushering in a new era for the global food and gastronomy scene, aligned with NEOM’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability. The manifesto will serve as a global guideline for food professionals worldwide, establishing a standard that contributes to the realization of sustainable food security.

“Through the NEOM CARE’s Award, and with the guidance and support of the council members, we aim to instil knowledge and inspire a new generation of culinary talent to implement sustainable practices, driving a lasting positive change in the Kingdom and beyond.”

Niederkofler said: “We are proud to launch the NEOM CARE’s manifesto, inspiring a new generation of talent to adopt sustainability and innovation in their professional careers. The manifesto, alongside the NEOM CARE’s Award, celebrates food professionals from around the world who share our passion and commitment to achieving food security through innovative and sustainable practices.

“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with NEOM as we strive to build a unique culinary identity based on creating healthy dishes from fresh, local, and sustainable produce.”

The NEOM CARE’s partnership strengthens NEOM’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices, fostering innovation, and developing a new generation of culinary talent that prioritizes sustainability to contribute to food security solutions.


Manga Productions reveals first trailer of Grendizer U

Manga Productions reveals first trailer of Grendizer U
Updated 10 December 2023
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Manga Productions reveals first trailer of Grendizer U

Manga Productions reveals first trailer of Grendizer U
  • ‘Grendizer’ is a robot anime that follows Duke Fleed, who decides to fight King Vega and his army using the Grendizer to save the earth
  • The anime is considered a fan favorite by 56% of people aged 40 and older, according to a YouGov survey conducted by Arab News Japan

DUBAI: Saudi production company Manga Productions has released the highly-anticipated first official trailer of the upcoming ‘Grendizer’ series titled ‘Grendizer U,’ which is set to be released in 2024.

Created by Go Nagai, ‘Grendizer’ is a robot anime that follows Duke Fleed, who decides to fight King Vega and his army using the Grendizer to save the earth. It is considered a fan favorite by 56% of people aged 40 and older, according to a YouGov survey conducted by Arab News Japan. 

Manga Productions is a Saudi animation production company that focuses on developing animations and video games.

The company released a short teaser for the show in August, which revealed that the anime will be directed by Mitsuo Fukuda, who previously worked on ‘Future GPX Cyber Formula,’ and written by Ichirō Ōkouchi, who previously worked on ‘Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.’

The official trailer, which was released on Sunday, introduces the voice actors for the first time. Miyu Irino, who is known for voicing Haku in Studio Ghibli’s ‘Spirited Away,’ will play the main protagonist, Duke Fleed, while Hiro Shimono, who voiced Dabi in ‘My Hero Academia,’ will play Kouji Kabuto. 

The original soundtrack will be composed by Kohei Tanaka, the co-composer of ‘One Piece.’ Japanese rock bands GLAY and BAND-MAID will be performing the opening and ending songs of the show, which has fans on social media more excited.

Dr. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, expressed his excitement on X for the upcoming anime, saying, “This series marks a significant milestone as Manga Productions takes on the global distribution and licensing responsibilities for events…presenting a unique opportunity among Arab and Middle Eastern companies.”

“With our skilled team and exceptional talents, we eagerly anticipate achieving international success and introducing Grendizer U to our global audience,” he added.

Fans of the show are posting positive reviews on social media regarding the trailer and are anticipating the appearance of the character Mazinger.

Manga Productions has also collaborated with Microids, a French video game company, on a Grendizer video game titled UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves,’ which was released on November 15 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.

The two companies released an Arabic version of the game. Alain MILLY, Microids’ Vice President of Publishing and former videogame journalist, told Arab News Japan that this is the first time they release a video game in Arabic. “Manga Productions helped us a lot, and they managed all the Arabic translations and voiceovers in the game. We are managing the integration, and it is a little tricky sometimes as it is the first time we are producing a game in Arabic,” he told Arab News Japan.

Originially published in Arab News Japan