Astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi has captured a mesmerizing view of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah from space, leaving viewers awestruck by the stunning sight. As the first Saudi female astronaut, Barnawi is making history during her private mission to the International Space Station (ISS), organized by Axiom Space.
Rayyanah Barnawi, a dedicated breast cancer researcher, embarked on her space journey from Cape Canaveral, Florida, as part of the second-ever private mission to the ISS. This remarkable achievement not only signifies a milestone in space exploration but also represents a significant step forward for women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia.
During her time aboard the ISS, Barnawi has been actively sharing videos and updates, allowing people from around the world to glimpse into her extraordinary journey. In her latest tweet, she posted a video showcasing the sparkling Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, captured from space.
The breathtaking footage reveals the Grand Mosque shining brightly, with the city’s illuminated appearance resembling glittering veins as seen from above. In awe-inspiring detail, the video captures the mesmerizing beauty of Makkah from miles away, leaving viewers spellbound.
In her Twitter post, Barnawi expressed her awe at the sight, stating, “After I finished my experiments for today, we happened to pass over Makkah Al-Mukarramah.” She added, “Light upon light,” emphasizing the spiritual significance of the scene.
In the video, Rayyanah Barnawi’s voiceover can be heard as she enthusiastically shares the view with her audience. She zooms in with the camera, directing viewers’ attention to the twinkling spot that is Makkah. “This is the Holy Mosque,” she says, filled with wonder. “Look how bright Makkah is. We already passed Madinah. Praise be to Allah,” she concludes, expressing her deep reverence for the sacred places.
The Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) crew, including Barnawi and Saudi fighter pilot Ali Al-Qarni, embarked on their space journey aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The launch took place at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, marking the beginning of their extraordinary adventure.
Joining Barnawi and Al-Qarni on this mission are Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut making her fourth flight to the ISS, and John Shoffner, a businessman from Tennessee serving as the pilot. This diverse crew brings together expertise and passion from various fields, enhancing the scientific potential of their mission.
During a press conference, Barnawi expressed her immense pleasure and honor at being the first Saudi woman astronaut. She eagerly shared her excitement about the research she will conduct in space, focusing on the fields of cancer research and life sciences. Additionally, she expressed her eagerness to inspire children through her experiences, hoping to ignite their curiosity and passion for space exploration and scientific discovery.
Barnawi’s journey to space represents a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia, highlighting the country’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women in various fields, including those traditionally dominated by men. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to countless individuals, especially young girls, who now have a role model to look up to and aspire to follow in her footsteps.
The breathtaking view of the Masjid al-Haram from space offers a unique perspective that deepens our appreciation for the spiritual significance of these holy places. It reminds us of the beauty and interconnectedness of our world, transcending borders and boundaries. As we marvel at these extraordinary images, we are reminded of the power of human ingenuity and our innate curiosity to explore the unknown.
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Rayyanah Barnawi’s journey into space will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on both scientific research and societal progress. Her achievements open doors for more women to venture into space exploration and contribute to the advancement of humanity’s knowledge. With each new frontier we explore, we come closer to understanding our place in the universe and the wonders it holds.
