Saudi graduate contributes to NASA rover project

NASA’s Lunar South Pole Prospecting Rover was built by a team of six engineering students, including Saudi aerospace engineer Tala  Al-Saedi. (Supplied)
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NASA’s Lunar South Pole Prospecting Rover was built by a team of six engineering students, including Saudi aerospace engineer Tala Al-Saedi. (Supplied)
Saudi graduate contributes to NASA rover project
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NASA’s Lunar South Pole Prospecting Rover was built by a team of six engineering students, including Saudi aerospace engineer Tala Al-Saedi. (Supplied)
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Updated 05 September 2024
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Saudi graduate contributes to NASA rover project

Saudi graduate contributes to NASA rover project
  • Tala Al-Saedi is encouraging Saudi women and men to consider careers in STEM

RIYADH: While eager first-year college students were all looking down at their catalogs to select a major, Tala Al-Saedi was looking up at the stars.

A 2024 graduate of the University of Arizona where she majored in aerospace engineering, for her senior design project Al-Saedi was chosen by the dean of engineering to be part of a NASA-sponsored project, the Lunar South Pole Prospecting Rover.

When first deciding on a major, the only thing Al-Saedi knew was that she wanted it to be “unique and challenging.”




NASA’s Lunar South Pole Prospecting Rover was built by a team of six engineering students, including Saudi aerospace engineer Tala  Al-Saedi. (Supplied)

Coming across aerospace engineering, she was captivated by the idea of “working on technology that operates in extreme environments.”

The Lunar South Pole Prospecting Rover, built by a team of six engineering students, “was designed to explore the lunar south pole and prospect resources such as water and ice, which could be crucial for sustaining a human presence on the moon.”

According to Al-Saedi, the project is well aligned with NASA’s Artemis Plan, which in 2026 is scheduled to land the first woman and first person of color on the moon.

I believe we’re entering a new era where possibilities for innovation and discovery are greater than ever before.

Tala Al-Saedi, Aerospace engineer

Al-Saedi told Arab News that “the rover needs to operate in the harsh conditions of the lunar south pole.”

As the thermal and structure subsystem lead, she was responsible for making sure the materials used will function in the conditions found at the pole.

“I had to make thermal management control systems, such as active and passive control systems, so it could save the rover’s instruments and keep it working during sunlight and at nighttime,” she said.

The lunar south pole does not receive very much sunlight and temperatures can be extremely low. The many craters on the surface of the pole, such as the Shackleton Crater, have illuminated rims but their interiors are in shadow.

Al-Saedi said that these conditions, coupled with high levels of radiation, make landing on the lunar south pole extremely difficult. Only one country has been able to do so successfully and that was India in August 2023 as part of their Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Al-Saedi also said that the craters in the region indicate the possibility of a water presence, which, in addition to entertaining the possibility of sustaining life on the moon, “could be used for future lunar missions and rocket fuel.”

The rover will continue to be developed by the next generations of senior engineering students at the University of Arizona which “ensures a future of students that can continue to refine the design and integrate new technologies and apply their own ideas,” Al-Saedi added.

“The project is a crucial step forward towards achieving long-term exploration goals that could eventually extend to Mars,” she said.

Al-Saedi held several extracurricular positions during her time at university that allowed her to step outside her comfort zone and explore the social culture of the school, as well as help ease other students’ transition and integration.

She was a member of the Society of Women Engineers and the Wildcat Fencing Club, and was also a global student ambassador, which meant she was international students’ first point of contact upon arriving in Tucson, Arizona. She said that being part of the Society of Women Engineers helped her to “stay focused and motivated,” inspiring her to encourage young engineering hopefuls to do the same.

“Being part of these organizations also aligned with my personal mission to advocate for greater female participation in STEM,” she said. It is a cause Al-Saedi is deeply passionate about and carries closely with her.

As a young Saudi woman, she expressed concern at the fact so few women engineers were choosing to major in aerospace engineering and cited the lack of female representation in the field as a leading factor in the creation of a vicious cycle.

She also spoke about the value of seeing yourself in your peers and how that helps push you forward in your academics and boosts confidence.

As far as Saudi space exploration goes, Al-Saedi is optimistic. “We’re just at the beginning,” she said, with missions such as Artemis and Vision 2030 underway, “I believe we’re entering a new era where possibilities for innovation and discovery are greater than ever before.”

Al-Saedi is encouraging all young Saudi students, women especially, to consider a future in STEM.

Moving forward in her postgraduate career, Al-Saedi is excited to turn the final frontier into her very own stomping ground. “I really want to contribute to the development of technology and make human exploration in space safer and more sustainable.”

 

 


Rare manuscripts on show at international book fair

Rare manuscripts on show at international book fair
Updated 28 September 2024
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Rare manuscripts on show at international book fair

Rare manuscripts on show at international book fair

RIYADH: Visitors to the King Fahd National Library pavilion at the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair have been captivated by a collection of six rare historical manuscripts.

Among the treasures on display is an Arabic Qur’an manuscript dating back to 1009 AH featuring Persian interpretations in the margins, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Other highlights include a Hebrew scroll and a manuscript of Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziya’s “Al-Kafiyah Ash-Shafiyah” from 1274 AH.

Since its establishment in 1983, the library has been dedicated to acquiring, organizing, preserving and disseminating intellectual works. Today it is a national institution housing over 6,000 rare original manuscripts.

The library’s book fair pavilion features several sections that highlight its various roles and contributions.

The manuscripts and rare books section features a collection of cultural and intellectual treasures, while the registration section demonstrates the library’s commitment to documenting and preserving Saudi intellectual and cultural heritage. An interactive screen section provides visitors with informative videos about the library’s services and activities.

Meanwhile, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts pavilion offers experiences that combine exploration, entertainment and education by presenting the traditional art of Al-Sadu. The art form is a national heritage and a craft passed down through generations.

The pavilion gives visitors the chance to discover Al-Sadu tools and techniques and features a visual display of the weaving stages, as well as a coloring activity that features Al-Sadu patterns. It aims to enhance the Saudi national identity for both local and international visitors, highlighting the craft’s cultural value.

The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, which organizes the book fair, has introduced advanced technological services to elevate this year’s visitor experience. Artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role with robots equipped to communicate in multiple languages stationed throughout the fair.

They assist visitors in navigating the event, helping them locate publishing houses and specific books, and offer audio summaries that highlight key themes and content.

Participating pavilions have fully embraced digital technology, with many publishers integrating interactive digital devices, AI-operated robots and informative screens into their exhibitions. Some booths even feature printing devices that allow visitors to obtain stories and publications on demand.

The fair, under the theme “Riyadh Reads,” runs until Oct. 5 at King Saud University. More than 2,000 publishing houses from over 30 countries are participating, spread across over 800 pavilions.

The fair also features Saudi, Arab and international cultural organizations and institutions, making it a key platform for publishers, intellectual and cultural exchange, and a meeting point for writers, thinkers, and culture and book enthusiasts from both within and outside the Kingdom.

This year’s guest of honor is Qatar, offering visitors a rich cultural experience that emphasizes the country’s literary and intellectual achievements, cultural heritage, history and diverse arts.


Saudi embassy celebrates National Day in Tokyo

Saudi embassy celebrates National Day in Tokyo
Updated 28 September 2024
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Saudi embassy celebrates National Day in Tokyo

Saudi embassy celebrates National Day in Tokyo

TOKYO: The Saudi embassy in Tokyo celebrated Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day with a reception at a local hotel attended by over 400 guests, including Japanese government officials, business leaders, diplomats, Saudi students and members of the Arab and Muslim communities.

The event started with the Saudi national anthem performed by Nahomi Koyasu, followed by the Japanese anthem.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Dr. Ghazi Binzagr welcomed everyone and said: “It was a day to be proud of our beautiful kingdom, its past, present and future, and the vision of its leader who guided us to establish the firm foundations of our nation based on values of our Arab and Islamic identity, a Kingdom of peace and prosperity.

“Today, we have become a beacon in the worlds of science, industry, economy and trade, a destination for the dedicated, committed and honest, and a place where people from all over the world gather to work with great pride in our diverse institutions.”

Binzagr shared his vision for the future, adding: “Yesterday, we were an oil-producing nation. Tomorrow, we aim to be a leader in energy and a powerhouse for alternative energy. We aim to become the global logistical hub that connects the East with the West, localizing industry and technology. Our commitment is to lead the world towards a responsible digital transformation and ensure a high quality of life for every citizen.”

He also highlighted the strength of the Kingdom's relationship with Japan: “Our relationship is of utmost importance, especially as we approach the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic ties next year. It is a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, common interests and shared values. Today, we see cooperation between our nations in all political, social, cultural, and economic fields. Japan is one of our most important partners in achieving the vision of the Saudi leadership 2030.”


KSrelief signs deal to support WHO’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine

KSrelief signs deal to support WHO’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine
Updated 28 September 2024
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KSrelief signs deal to support WHO’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine

KSrelief signs deal to support WHO’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency, KSrelief, has signed a $ 2million cooperation agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the organization’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, state news agency SPA reported.

The agreement was signed by KSrelief Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

It is part of KSrelief’s efforts to enhance joint coordination with UN organizations and its humanitarian agencies towards serving the vulnerable and war-hit communities, according to a statement. 

As part of its medical projects, KSrelief also launched a medical project to fit prosthetic limbs for Ukrainian refugees in the city of Rzeszow, Poland, from September 23 to 29.


KSrelief signs deal with WHO to support healthcare in earthquake-hit Syria 

KSrelief signs deal with WHO to support healthcare in earthquake-hit Syria 
Updated 28 September 2024
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KSrelief signs deal with WHO to support healthcare in earthquake-hit Syria 

KSrelief signs deal with WHO to support healthcare in earthquake-hit Syria 

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency, KSrelief, signed a $4.7 million cooperation agreement on Friday with the World Health Organization (WHO) to support emergency and specialized health services in earthquake-hit areas in northwestern Syria. 
The agreement aims to provide treatment to more than 1.2 million people, including the displaced and the host community in these areas.
The agreement targets enhancing primary, secondary, and specialized healthcare. It will also work on reducing the spread of epidemics, and provide a safe health environment for the most vulnerable. 
Dialysis services will also be supported in 20 centers. 
The agreement was signed by KSrelief Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.


Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis

Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis
Updated 28 September 2024
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Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis

Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis
  • Prince Faisal spotlighted the growing rift between a divided Security Council and the international consensus

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Friday urged the United Nations Security Council to get its act together and find a way to stop the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from widening further.
Speaking at a Security Council meeting in New York, Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat lamented that despite the successive resolutions passed by the General Assembly, there is no end in sight to the
“catastrophic  humanitarian situation” the people of Gaza are facing.
Prince Faisal made the plea as fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah continued to escalate, with Israel expanding its air strikes to the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, while Hezbollah targeting key Israeli facilities with missiles.
He faulted members of the council for being quick to use the veto rather than find consensus to resolve the Gaza crisis. He noted that since last October there were six draft resolutions where the veto was used out of ten.
Even then, he said, the resolutions that were adopted failed to achieve a ceasefire, failed to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation, and failed to pave the way for a creditable political path towards peace.
Last March, Russia and China vetoed a US-proposed resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an Israel-Hamas hostage deal. Other resolutions saw the US objecting and Britain abstaining.
In the 15-member Security Council, the permanent members — Britain China, France, Russia and the US — are entitled to a special voting power known as the ‘”right to veto.” A veto could defeat a resolution even if it is supported by a majority of the council members.
“What does the UNSC need to end the suffering, to implement international law?,” Prince Faisal said. “It is clear there is a widening gap between international consensus and divides within the Security Council, which undermine its performance.”
Prince Faisal cited the General Assembly for passing successive resolutions that reflected what countries where calling for: the urgent need for a ceasefire, providing humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip without interruption, and the right of Palestinians to self determination,
“We value the resolution of the General Assembly that recognized the eligibility of Palestine for full membership at the UN, by virtue of which Palestine received additional privileges, as well as the latest resolutions that called on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territory, he said.