Saudi Space Agency Launches Two Student-Designed Satellites
The spacecraft were developed by undergraduate teams at Umm Al-Qura University and Prince Sultan University as the winning entries in a national small-satellite competition for university students.
Two satellites designed by Saudi students were launched on an international space mission, the Saudi Space Agency announced. The spacecraft were developed by undergraduate teams at Umm Al-Qura University and Prince Sultan University as the winning entries in a national small-satellite competition for university students.
The SARI competition for building and designing small satellites, launched in December 2024, was open to undergraduates from universities across the Kingdom. It drew 480 entries from 42 universities, with two designs selected for flight. The programme was set up to provide practical experience in satellite design, construction, and operation, and to build skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Interest in space science in Saudi Arabia has grown since astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni took part in Axiom Mission 2 to the International Space Station in May 2023. Together with astronaut Peggy Whitson and business pioneer and pilot John Shoffner, they travelled on the SpaceX Dragon capsule to the station, where they were welcomed by seven astronauts already on board, including an Emirati.
