‘Beyond Earth: Journeys to the Star’: Saudi Space Agency, NASA Discuss Space Exploration
Prince Sultan University has welcomed a joint delegation from NASA and the Saudi Space Agency (SSA) to discuss ways of enhancing cooperative relations between both entities, reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The event brought together the SSA CEO Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, US Ambassador to KSA Michael Ratney, and Saudi Astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi, Ali Al-Ghamdi, and Mariam Fardous.
The participants held a dialogue session themed “Beyond Earth: Journeys to the Stars” in which they discuss the challenges and opportunities of space exploration.
They engaged with the university’s students over the future of human missions in space, inspiring the students to represent a significant push towards achieving the Kingdom’s aspirations in space exploration.
Nelson ignited the enthusiasm of students by talking about the space missions and what human beings can do in this field. “When we go into space, we have to invent and create new things and that helps us advance our standard of living here on the earth,” Nelson stated.
Furthermore, he broadened the mindsets of the students by engaging them in fruitful conversations concerning NASA’s recent developments and technologies.
“One of the good examples that I gave in the speech today is the camera in your cell phone, that was developed by NASA. It’s a camera on a chip … there are so many technological outgrowths and spinoffs from our developing space technology,” Nelson said.
He elucidated that there would be further developments in pharmaceutical research and zero gravity on the International Space Station.
The establishment of a new college of space and aviation at Prince Sultan University stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s progressive efforts in space exploration and missions.
Ahmed Yamani, president of Prince Sultan University, underscored that the college is an integral part of their Space and Aviation Program, established in cooperation with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida.
The event also highlighted significant talks between Nelson and the Chairman of the Saudi Space Agency Abdullah Al-Swaha regarding a space strategic partnership aiming at unifying the efforts of space exploration.
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