The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) to enhance cooperation in biotechnology under microgravity, astronaut health, education, and scientific research. The agreement supports national priorities and aims to build sustainable human capabilities in space-related life sciences.
The MoU was signed at KFSHRC’s Riyadh headquarters by Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, Acting CEO of SSA, and Dr. Majid Al-Fayyadh, Royal Court Advisor and CEO of KFSHRC, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations.
Under the memorandum, the two sides will develop a joint framework to establish a strategic partnership in astronaut health and biotechnology. Specialized teams will be formed to define priority projects and their implementation mechanisms. The agreement also calls for advancing scientific and innovative research in health and biotechnology under microgravity conditions, translating research outcomes into practical applications, and cooperating on astronaut healthcare programs before, during, and after space missions.
KFSHRC
KFSHRC is recognized as one of the world’s leading academic medical centers, ranking first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally in 2025. It is also the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the region, according to Brand Finance 2024, and has been listed among Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals for 2025.
The Saudi Space Agency has placed strong emphasis on advancing life sciences and space medicine. Through its Saudi Journey to Space mission, the agency has conducted pioneering experiments in stem cell research, cardiovascular studies, and neurological and brain research under microgravity conditions.
Finally, these initiatives highlight the Kingdom’s commitment to building high-quality partnerships with leading scientific and medical institutions and reinforcing its role in space-related life sciences and innovation.
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