Saudi astronauts advance breakthrough in cartilage research
Kingdom’s space mission produces nanomaterial in microgravity, promising new advances in tissue repair and transplantation
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Saudi Arabia achieved a landmark scientific milestone as its astronauts contributed to producing a cartilage-repair nanomaterial aboard the International Space Station for the first time.
The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) confirmed that astronauts from the Kingdom participated in 19 experiments during the SSA-HSF1 mission, conducted in 2023, aimed at advancing biomaterials for tissue engineering and improving quality of life on Earth.
The research, led by international scientists Yupeng Chen and Mari Anne Snow, focused on developing nanomaterials capable of repairing cartilage and supporting organ transplantation.
Saudi astronaut Rayana Barnawi played a central role, performing experiments in microgravity and collecting critical data that could not be replicated in terrestrial laboratories.
“Working in space allowed us to fabricate an advanced nanomaterial and generate reliable results that will advance scientific research and benefit humanity,” Barnawi said, highlighting the significance of microgravity for experimental precision.
The findings of the study were published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature in July 2025, marking a first for Saudi-led space research contributing directly to medical science.
The SSA emphasized that human space exploration missions are not only about discovery but also about producing tangible scientific benefits for Earth, with the Kingdom aiming to leverage these missions to improve human health and advance technological capabilities.
Experts noted that microgravity conditions enable materials to form with higher purity and uniformity, offering promising prospects for regenerative medicine and future clinical applications. The SSA added that these achievements underscore Saudi Arabia’s growing role in international space science collaborations.
This breakthrough represents a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s ambition to integrate space research into broader scientific and medical innovation efforts, positioning the Kingdom as a leading contributor to global advancements in biomaterials and regenerative medicine.
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