In collaboration with SpaceX, Saudi Arabia launched its first research mission into polar orbit on April 1, according to Gulf News.
Named “Falak,” the mission seeks to deeply study the impacts of space on natural eye microbes.
As part of the FRAM2 mission, the research mission will delve into how microgravity affects the microbiome of the eye, along with potential applications for both space exploration and Earth-based health.
“The resilience of eye microbes to the space environment is a question we still don’t have answers to. This mission lays the groundwork for future research on this crucial issue,” Dr. Ayoub Al Sobihi, director of the Falak Mission, said.
Al Sobihi also noted that the research will present a scientific breakthrough offering a comprehensive health protocol for eye care in space.
بفضلٍ من الله، تم بنجاح إطلاق مهمة فلك البحثية إلى الفضاء 🇸🇦
تُعدّ مهمة فلك أول مهمة بحثية عربية تُنفَّذ من قِبل منظمة غير ربحية، وستسهم جودة مخرجاتها في إعادة تعريف بروتوكولات صحة العيون في الفضاء.#الفضاء_بعيون_سعودية#متصل_بالكون pic.twitter.com/rQjNE04raN
— فلك لعلوم وأبحاث الفضاء (@FalakKSA) April 1, 2025
Importantly, the mission aims to provide a better understanding of eye health in astronauts through the analysis of the growth patterns of eye microbes and investigation of genetic and protein changes that take place under the influence of microgravity.
Moreover, it will tackle how these microbes form biofilms.
The newly launched mission represents an integral part of global efforts to fully comprehend the impacts of space travel on human health, specifically in the field of ocular health.
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