International Space Station Welcomes 2 Saudi Visitors, Including Kingdom’s First Female Astronaut

(Top row L–R) Ali al-Qarni, John Shoffner, Rayyanah Barnawi, and Peggy Whitson, pose for a picture with current residents of the International Space Station on May 22, 2023. NASA TV via AP

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.—The International Space Station rolled out the welcome mat Monday for two Saudi visitors, including the kingdom’s first female astronaut.

SpaceX’s chartered flight arrived at the orbiting lab less than 16 hours after blasting off from Florida. The four guests will spend just over a week there, before returning to Earth in their capsule.