Two Saudi astronauts are making their way to the International Space Station, after a historic launch from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida early on Monday.
Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman to go on a space mission, and fellow Saudi Ali Al Qarni are aboard a Dragon spacecraft, along with American colleagues Peggy Whitson and Jeff Shoffner.
They are expected to dock at the space station at 5.24pm Gulf Standard Time – with the hatch between the Dragon and the ISS opening at 7.13pm and a welcome ceremony for the new crew members at 7.45pm.
Ms Barnawi, 33, spoke live from the Dragon capsule, as she and her colleagues journey towards the orbiting outpost for an eight-day stay.
“Hello from outer space,” the research laboratory scientist said.
“It feels amazing to be viewing Earth from this capsule. We’re here feeling microgravity, thanks to our kingdom of Saudi Arabia and our leaders King Salman and the visionary Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
