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Saudi Arabia today commemorated the 40th anniversary of Prince Sultan bin Salman’s landmark journey aboard NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery, a milestone that marked the first time an Arab, Muslim, and royal family member ventured into space.
On June 17, 1985, Prince Sultan, then a 28-year-old Royal Saudi Air Force pilot, joined the international crew of the STS-51-G mission as a payload specialist.
The seven-day mission saw the successful deployment of the Arabsat-1B satellite, a significant achievement for the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (ARABSAT) and the wider Arab world.
During the mission, which completed 111 orbits of Earth, Prince Sultan conducted scientific experiments, including studying the interaction of oil and water in microgravity, and became the first person to read the holy Qur’an in space — a moment that resonated deeply across the Muslim world.
“Prince Sultan’s mission was more than a historic achievement; it set the stage for what has become a shining example of what the future holds for the Arab world,” said Lisa La Bonte, CEO of TSEC and a pioneer in the MENA space education sector. “His legacy drives the kingdom’s — and the region’s — space ambitions, fostering innovation and supporting economic initiatives like Vision 2030.”
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Saudi Arabia’s first ‘najmonaut’
Prince Sultan’s achievement has become a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to scientific advancement and its leadership in the region’s emerging space sector. Often referred to as the first “najmonaut” (Arab astronaut), his legacy continues to inspire new generations of explorers and innovators.
“Seeing Earth from space gave me a new perspective on our shared humanity,” Prince Sultan reflected. “It’s a reminder that our ambitions must always serve the greater good, pushing technology and knowledge to improve life on our planet.”
The 40th anniversary serves as both a celebration of past achievement and a reaffirmation of the kingdom’s long-term vision for space exploration and technological progress.
