A captain in the Royal Saudi Air Force with 2,387 logged flight hours, Ali AlQarni transitioned from piloting F-15SA fighter jets to orbital operations. His selection by the Saudi Space Agency for a private mission marked a shift in national space participation, placing him among a small cohort of individuals to visit the International Space Station.
Military Foundation
Born in 1992 in Sabt Al Alaya, Saudi Arabia, AlQarni pursued a career in aviation through formal military training. He completed his education at the King Faisal Air Academy, where he earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical sciences. This academic background facilitated his advancement within the Royal Saudi Air Force, leading to his current rank of captain.
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The Saudi Space Agency formally announced AlQarni as a crew member for Axiom Mission 2 on February 12, 2023. This selection process designated him as a primary participant in an international spaceflight project involving private sector logistics and scientific research, representing Saudi Arabia in a mission managed by Axiom Space.
Orbital Operations
On May 22, 2023, AlQarni launched toward the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft. His crew included fellow Saudi astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi, alongside Peggy Whitson and John Shoffner. During an eight-day residency at the station, he performed multiple scientific experiments and participated in various outreach events before returning to Earth.
Fast facts
- Born: 1992, Sabt Al Alaya
- Citizenship: Saudi Arabia
- Current Occupation: Astronaut, fighter pilot
- Military Rank: Captain
- Education: King Faisal Air Academy
- Flight Experience: 2,387 hours
- Space Mission: Axiom Mission 2
- Launch Date: May 22, 2023
Questions readers ask
What aircraft does Ali AlQarni pilot for the Royal Saudi Air Force?
He pilots the F-15SA.
Which spacecraft carried him to the International Space Station?
He traveled to the station on the SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Royal Saudi Air Force
- Educated at King Faisal Air Academy
- Worked as fighter pilot and astronaut
