Meeting with HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman The World’s “First Muslim Astronaut”

Thirteen years ago, during the 1973 Arab Israeli War, the ruler of Saudi Arabia, King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, stunned the world by cutting off oil supplies to Western countries and the United States. The shock of using oil as a weapon was so severe that the developed world and its allies were forced to seriously consider that if a nation’s security, survival, and dignity were at stake, it could take the most drastic steps.

Therefore, according to this view, it would be neither far-sighted nor wise to assume that the Arab world, especially Saudi Arabia, is a permanent and traditional ally of the United States and the West and would never act against their interests. Following King Faisal’s bold and far-reaching move, the developed industrial nations, particularly the United States, began taking steps to reduce their dependency on foreign oil imports.

In fact, the United States had preserved its strategic oil reserves for future critical times. The core strategy was to first consume the oil reserves of other countries and later increase the use of its own stored supplies. However, with the changing circumstances, the U.S. slightly modified its policy. At the same time, several countries began exploring alternative arrangements to ensure access to energy from other sources in case oil supplies diminished.

Meanwhile, large oil reserves were discovered in the North Sea off the coast of Britain, and non-OPEC countries gradually increased their production to weaken the political leverage of oil. As a result of these diverse global strategies and actions, the price of oil, which had once soared to $43 per barrel, fell drastically to $8 per barrel. The OPEC nations that once set prices according to their will and controlled the global market no longer had the ability to devise and enforce an effective policy.

On one hand, the oil crisis, and on the other, the ongoing Iran-Iraq war for the past six years, severely impacted the economies of the Middle East, especially the Arab nations. Saudi Arabia, being one of the three major countries in the region, has seen its challenges and hardships grow in proportion. A common perception about the Arab nations is that over the past two to three decades, the vast wealth they acquired has not been effectively utilized.

It is believed that a major portion of this wealth has been spent on non-productive sectors such as the construction and expansion of grand buildings, airport development and decoration, wide roads, and other luxuries and conveniences of life, rather than focusing on scientific, industrial advancement and planning. As a result of such misperceptions, the Western press has published comments suggesting that once the Arab nations run out of oil, their magnificent buildings, roads, and foreign goods-filled markets will fall silent and desolate, and the old days of camels and tents will return.

Observers believe that this analysis may hold true to some extent for certain Arab countries. However, in the case of Saudi Arabia, the nation has made relatively prudent and far-sighted use of its oil wealth. Several foundational and significant projects aimed at ushering the country into an era of scientific and industrial advancement have already been completed, while others are progressing rapidly. As a result, it is expected that the country will not face any extraordinary economic crisis in the coming years.

Journalists from Pakistan who have visited Saudi Arabia from time to time have also shared similar impressions. According to them, the Saudi government had initiated long-term planning well in advance to transition society into an era of industrial and agricultural prosperity. It is estimated that in the near future, Saudi Arabia will no longer depend on imports for the production of several agricultural and industrial goods.

Saudi Arabia’s scientific and technical advancements were widely highlighted for the first time in June 1985, during the flight of the American space shuttle Discovery. The world was astonished to learn that a member of the Saudi royal family and scientist, Sultan bin Salman Al Saud, would be traveling into space on that mission. He was also responsible for deploying a communications satellite for the Arab world. This event carried great significance for both the Arab and Islamic worlds. Due to the special relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the news received particular attention and interest in Pakistan.

After the successful flight of the space shuttle Discovery, Prince Sultan visited several countries, including European nations and the United States, where he was warmly welcomed and widely praised for his achievement. When it was announced in early April of the same year that Prince Sultan would be visiting Pakistan on an official tour, our curiosity grew immensely. We were eager to have a scientific and intellectual conversation with the first astronaut of the Muslim world.

According to the schedule, Prince Sultan was to visit Islamabad first and then proceed to Lahore. Since it was an official visit, his engagements were prearranged and tightly managed. Upon learning that Prince Sultan would be arriving in Karachi on an evening flight, we contacted the Saudi Consulate to confirm the information. Surprisingly, they were unaware of his arrival or the program details. Nevertheless, we reached the VIP lounge of Karachi Airport by 7:30 PM, only to discover that his private aircraft had already landed at 4:30 PM.

We reached out to our contacts in the media and learned that Prince Sultan would address scientists at SUPARCO the following morning and tour their facilities. That night, we contacted Mr. Abdul Hafeez Bhundari, Secretary of SUPARCO, to inquire whether the press had been invited. He informed us that the press was not invited and that any information regarding the visit would be issued through official press releases. When we expressed our desire to attend and hear the Prince in person, Mr. Bhundari politely declined, explaining that it would not be appropriate. He did, however, mention that the liaison officer from the Ministry of Information was Mr. Akhtar Ali Khan, and that any interview request would need to go through him.

Efforts to locate Mr. Akhtar included calls to the State Guest House and the Police Information Office, where we were told that he could only be reached between 7:30 and 8:00 AM. The next morning, we met Mr. Akhtar and explained our interest in conveying the thoughts and reflections of the first Muslim astronaut to the readers of Science Digest. He responded that Prince Sultan’s schedule was extremely busy that day. Following the SUPARCO visit and address, the Prince was expected to attend a luncheon hosted by the Chief Minister of Sindh, inaugurate an exhibition at the Export Promotion Bureau, and attend another event in the evening. Mr. Akhtar said he could not promise anything but would try his best to arrange an interview. We also mentioned that Mr. Arif-ul-Haq Arif from Daily Jang was interested in an interview. Mr. Akhtar agreed to speak with the Prince and, if he consented, would arrange a joint interview during the afternoon break.

He advised us to remain at the Information Department for updates. At 1 PM, Mr. Akhtar called to inform us that, despite his packed schedule, Prince Sultan had graciously agreed to give an interview to Pakistan’s largest newspaper and a renowned science journal Science Digest. However, due to time constraints, we were asked to prepare our questions in advance and arrive at the Information Department by 4 PM so that we could proceed to the State Guest House immediately.

At the Information Office, we were met by Principal Information Officer Mrs. Rizwan Ehsan, Mr. Farooq Abdani, and Mr. Akhtar Ali Khan. We left for the State Guest House at exactly 4:30 PM. Upon arrival, we were told that we would be given thirty minutes for the interview.
After a brief wait, Prince Sultan entered, and we exchanged a few informal remarks. We welcomed him to Pakistan, expressing our great pleasure in meeting him. It was a matter of pride for Pakistan and its people that the first Muslim astronaut, who had brought such honor to the Islamic world, was visiting our country.

Introduction and welcoming remarks were followed by the formal beginning of the interview with the following question:

Question: When you were granted this honor, what were your immediate and initial feelings?

Answer: I truly appreciate the sentiments you have expressed for me. In fact, this was not only an honor for me but also felt like a duty. I was part of a significant and special mission, one that held great importance for my country and the Arab world. Therefore, I consider myself fortunate to have successfully completed this mission.

Question: What preparations did you undergo prior to embarking on this space mission?

Answer: I pursued specialized education in communication sciences in the United States and obtained certification in the field. The primary objective of my mission was to deploy a communications satellite, Arabsat-II, into space. This satellite was designed to enhance and strengthen telecommunication links among Arab countries. Before joining the mission, there was a two-month selection phase held jointly in Saudi Arabia and NASA. Following my selection, I received preliminary training at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where I underwent specialized instruction on satellite deployment.

Question: What event or motivation inspired you to undertake this high-risk space mission as an astronaut?

Answer: The primary reason was a request made by the Arab Satellite Communication Organization to the Saudi government, seeking assistance in deploying a communications satellite for the Arab League member states. Saudi Arabia is not only a prominent member of the Arab League but also the largest shareholder in the Arab Satellite Communication Organization. In addition, Saudi Arabia maintains technical collaboration with international institutions such as NASA and the European Space Agency. Applications were invited from various candidates for this mission, and many individuals from governmental and semi-governmental departments, including the air force and communications sector, offered their services. I was among those candidates.

Question: During your space journey, you performed prayers and recited the Holy Qur’an. What did you feel while fulfilling your religious duties in space, and how did your fellow astronauts react to this?

Answer: My colleagues and I, who were working at NASA, were always mindful of fulfilling our religious obligations. During my training at NASA, I observed these duties with great care. After all, for any individual, nothing is more important than their faith and beliefs. On the day the Discovery shuttle was scheduled to launch, it was early in the morning—around the time of Fajr prayer. The shuttle was to take off just fifteen minutes later. So, I took my prayer cloth and climbed to the fourth level of the launch pad to perform Fajr prayer. My fellow crew members were deeply moved by this act. In truth, when one feels close to God and one’s religion, that is when the deepest peace of heart is attained.

Question: Prince Sultan, in your opinion, how should Muslim countries determine their priorities so they can progress rapidly in the fields of science and technology?

Answer: At this point, I would like to recall a statement made by former NASA Administrator James Beggs during a reception hosted by Saudi authorities in Washington. He said that people come to the United States to demonstrate their scientific capabilities, and a large number of them are Muslim scientists. In fact, entire projects at times are being carried out by Muslim experts. This clearly shows that a growing number of young Muslims are becoming inclined towards science and technology. There is a particular focus now on mathematics and engineering as well.

Our ancestors, the early Muslims, had deep knowledge of various sciences. They not only advanced key fields of knowledge but also laid the foundations for much of today’s scientific progress. Muslims should indeed take pride in this rich scientific heritage. However, they must also honestly and openly acknowledge that for several centuries now, we have lagged far behind other nations in science and technology. To move ahead, we must engage in serious and determined efforts.

The path to scientific and technological advancement is not as easy as it may appear. It does not work in a way where we simply decide to make progress in this area and then suddenly achieve it. First, we must clearly define our goals, provide the necessary resources, and then undertake a continuous and unwavering struggle. Obviously, this is not an easy task. Muslim nations should not only strive to excel in every branch of science, but also actively seek knowledge and experience from every nation. We should learn from history. There was a time when other nations were far behind Muslims in science and technology. Yet they persevered in acquiring knowledge and eventually attained a place of respect and recognition.

Therefore, we should not hesitate to collaborate with other nations and civilizations in this regard. Scientific and technological development does not happen magically. It requires comprehensive and sustained effort, achievable only through hard work—just as it was done by countries that were once underdeveloped and lagging. Islam is a religion of peace. It teaches reconciliation and tolerance. Thus, in the fields of knowledge and science, we must seek cooperation with every country and every nation. Muslim countries have been blessed by Allah with all kinds of resources. We have trained manpower, material wealth, and natural and mineral resources. Together, we can utilize them in the best possible way. Therefore, Muslim nations should work in collaboration with one another, while also seeking cooperation from the developed world.

An important issue for Muslim countries is also their own security. One thing that unites Muslim nations is their shared religion. By adhering to our religious principles, we can advance significantly in science and technology.

Question:
The majority of Third World countries are Muslim nations, and they have become victims of exploitation by both the East and the West, being divided between these two blocks. In your view, how can this situation be overcome?

Answer:
I believe that we can eliminate exploitation through several approaches. To do so, we must revise our fundamental strategies. The first and foremost requirement is to remain firmly committed to our core ideology and beliefs. From this perspective, I believe that Pakistan is moving in the right direction with a sound policy. On one hand, it remains dedicated to its religious values and principles, while on the other, it is advancing its society through the adoption of modern knowledge and resources. Therefore, Pakistan is following a constructive policy, acquiring knowledge and advancements from wherever they may be found, and thus shaping its society along true Islamic lines.

Question:
Your Highness, you are well aware that scientific and technological progress cannot be achieved without the widespread dissemination and understanding of scientific awareness. In order to promote such understanding, the publication of scientific literature is indispensable. Do you believe that the quantity and quality of scientific literature produced in Islamic countries is satisfactory?

Answer:
Your question fundamentally relates to the issue of communication among the developing countries. The transmission of modern knowledge and the need for sustained communication are precisely the reasons why the ArabSat satellites, such as Arabsat I and II, were launched into space. These satellites will facilitate television broadcasting, teleprinter services, telex communication, and industrial and commercial connectivity among the 22 Arab nations. The production and dissemination of scientific research materials in Muslim countries, whether in written form or in audiovisual formats, remains a major issue. This is indeed a significant challenge facing all Muslim nations. Your Head of State, President General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, who also serves as Chairman of the Science and Technology Subcommittee for Muslim countries, is actively striving to address these communication challenges. The core issue is not a lack of connectivity among scientists in Muslim countries. In fact, the scientific human capital of Muslim nations is their greatest asset. It is essential that Muslim countries establish effective communication not only in the natural sciences but also in the social sciences and other areas of mutual concern.

Question:
The Zionist lobby, strongly supported by numerous Israeli patrons within the United States, is continuously trying to prevent the Muslim world from acquiring scientific and technological knowledge so that it remains behind in this field, allowing them to fulfil their expansionist ambitions. In your opinion, what measures should the Muslim Ummah take to counter Zionist ambitions and to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and economic prosperity?

Answer:
I will reiterate once again that the foremost requirement is to correct our foundational beliefs and identify the true sources of our weaknesses. Only after this self-reflection can we pursue our peaceful objectives through determined efforts. We have many examples before us of countries that possessed limited resources and faced significant challenges, yet they made progress in development and prosperity through sustained and organized efforts. The key point is that rather than blaming one another, we must remain focused on our collective objectives and commit to continuous struggle to achieve them. If our purpose is sincere and peaceful, then even our opponents will eventually be compelled to acknowledge it.

Question:
Your Excellency, you have visited several scientific institutions and laboratories in Pakistan. In your opinion, what is Pakistan’s standing in the realm of scientific and technological advancement?

Answer:
Pakistan has made notable progress in the field of science, although many believe that there is still much more to be done in several areas. In fact, Pakistan has had to face various types of crises, including significant economic challenges. Despite all these difficulties, the country has achieved a great deal in the scientific domain. Not only is there strong enthusiasm and a genuine desire among the people of Pakistan to advance in scientific fields, but there also exists considerable talent and capability. I have had valuable discussions on this topic with the President of Pakistan, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, and the Prime Minister, Mr. Muhammad Khan Junejo. I am pleased to note that both leaders have a clear and constructive vision regarding the scientific and technological advancement of Pakistan.

Just today, I had the opportunity to meet with scientists and experts at two different venues, where I also addressed them. I conveyed that we must extend our full cooperation to one another. There are broad prospects and strong foundations for scientific and technical cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. We look forward to a special level of collaboration and commitment from Pakistan in this regard. The stability and development of Pakistan is directly linked to the stability and development of Saudi Arabia.

Question:
Would you like to convey a special message to the youth of the Muslim world?

Answer:
Through this interview, I would like to tell them to reflect deeply upon their faith and their identity. They should perform their religious duties with regularity, humility, and sincerity, and should never regard them as a burden. Let me give you a small example. During our space mission, our mission pilot John Creighton, who joined me at a press conference after the mission, asked what significance this spaceflight held for Muslim youth. I replied that 800 million Muslims around the world were following every moment of this mission with great attention and interest, and that the mission’s success was a result of their prayers.

At that same event, the mission pilot John Creighton told the interviewers that 800 million Muslims had prayed for the success of the mission, and indeed, it was completed with safety and success. I would tell Muslim youth that practicing one’s faith and fulfilling religious obligations is not a matter of shame or embarrassment, but one of pride. During my four-month training at NASA, I regularly performed my prayers and recited the Holy Qur’an. Even while fasting, I would participate in routine exercise and training missions from 5 to 7 in the morning after Fajr prayers, and I never found this difficult.

As a result, I found great ease in maintaining my routine during the space mission. Not only Muslims but even non-Muslims greatly respected me for my commitment to my religious duties. My message to Muslim youth is that they have vast opportunities before them. They must strive to acquire the most advanced knowledge and work hard to become dignified and respected members of the global community.
Question:
Israel and Western media have for some time been persistently spreading propaganda that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are involved in developing an “Islamic bomb.” Despite our denials and clarifications, why does this propaganda continue?

Answer:
In my opinion, this issue is not of major importance, because the propaganda is being driven by a specific group with particular motives. It is absolutely clear and evident that there is no such matter at all in the friendly and economic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. In fact, such propaganda is carried out for certain defined objectives. Through it, they attempt to dictate what we should or should not do for our own defence. Israel, in my view, is a cancer for the Middle East, and this is a subject upon which much more can be said.

Question:
You are aware that many Pakistani and Muslim scientists are serving at NASA. Would you like to mention the name of any distinguished Saudi scientist or expert who is working at NASA in a prominent capacity?

Answer:
As far as any specific research field or department is concerned, it is quite difficult to name someone in particular. NASA is an enormous institution, and a vast number of scientists and experts are engaged in countless areas of work. Regarding my specific mission, which was quite a complex one, many Saudi scientists contributed significantly. As I mentioned earlier, the primary objective of my mission was to deploy the Arab satellite into space, but this single mission was the result of the collective expertise and intellectual input of an entire team of scientists and professionals.

At NASA, scientists from numerous countries work together in such a closely coordinated manner that no single individual’s role is placed above another’s. I cannot provide the name of any Saudi scientist who had a direct and prominent association with the space shuttle itself. However, in institutions such as those working in remote sensing, several distinguished Saudi scientists are actively serving.

At the end of the interview, we thanked Prince Sultan for taking the time out of his extremely busy schedule to speak with us. A few special editions of Science Digest were presented to him, with an apology that they were not in Arabic or English but in Pakistan’s national language, Urdu. The Prince laughed and replied that it was no issue, as his secretary knew Urdu and would translate the key sections for him.

Prince Sultan appreciated the fact that such scientific and technological literature was being published in Pakistan. He was informed that the Director General of the Islamic Foundation for Science, Technology and Development, Dr. Ali Qattai, had also been sent copies of Science Digest and had highly praised the initiative. At the close of the interview, the Prince was requested to join us for a group photograph. With thanks and warm regards, we then took our leave from the State Guest House.

Prince Sultan’s Space Journey

Prince Sultan Ibn Salman Ibn Abdulaziz Al Saud
French scientist Patrick Baudry
American Commander Daniel Brandestein
Astronaut John Creighton
Steven Nagel
John Fabian
Shannon Lucid

This report on Prince Sultan’s journey aboard the American Space Shuttle Discovery is being published with thanks to the Aramco World Magazine, January–February 1986 issue. Prince Sultan generously presented this issue during the interview.

Summary and Translation: Nasser Moeen

I became the sixth American woman who risked her life for the success of Mission 51-G. She deployed three satellites, including an ArabSat satellite. She also launched a probe to observe the Milky Way galaxy, which was later captured and used as a target for the American Star Wars program.

Prince Sultan conducted space experiments proposed by Saudi scientists. He spoke on the telephone with his uncle and ruler of Saudi Arabia, King Fahad, from space, guided millions of Arab TV viewers through the shuttle’s journey in Arabic and also found time for prayer and recitation of the Quran amidst his busy schedules.

Before the flight, there were several tense moments when thunderstorms and lightning occurred during the night. Scientific instruments alerted that the solar panels of the ArabSat (Arab Satellite Communication Organization) satellite had opened, but the storm and these warnings passed without causing any damage. On the morning of June 17, amid applause and cheers, the space shuttle Discovery soared through the skies of Florida, beginning its journey to touch the vastness of space. To witness this beautiful and historic event and to bid farewell to the prince, 230 Arab guests were present, including Prince Sultan’s brother, the Director-General of ArabSat, and the Minister of Communications of Morocco. After verifying the cameras and equipment the following day, the artificial satellite ArabSat B was released into space. Orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers, this satellite will operate alongside ArabSat A. It is worth mentioning that ArabSat A was launched into space in February 1985 by the French Ariane rocket.

Prince Sultan, who is also affiliated with the Saudi Ministry of Communications, said in an interview, “My job now is to fully utilize the capabilities of these satellites.” These capabilities include telephone and telex facilities between Arab countries, as well as the exchange of news and television programs, which are of utmost importance.

The 28-year-old Prince Sultan, in addition to being an aviator, is a graduate in telecommunications from the University of Denver. His selection was made after extensive search and screening. For this purpose, a search began among the 22 member countries for a suitable candidate who could serve as the payload specialist on the Discovery mission. Generally, astronauts undergo at least one year of training. Due to time constraints this time, preference was given to candidates who were already trained aviators, fluent in English, and in good health. After a long list, 20 individuals were shortlisted, then reduced to four, and finally to three. NASA required only two individuals for the mission—a payload specialist and a backup in case the primary candidate could not go on the mission. Prince Sultan was chosen as the primary payload specialist, and 36-year-old Major Abdul Mohsin Hammad Al Bassam, an instructor in the Royal Saudi Air Force, was selected as the backup.

Prince Sultan’s Space Mission Training

The payload specialist has no direct involvement in the shuttle’s launch or flight, as their primary responsibilities begin once in space. These tasks include deploying satellites and conducting scientific experiments. Nevertheless, the payload specialist undergoes training as rigorous as that of the shuttle’s other crew members.

Prince Sultan and Major Abdul Mohsin Al Bassam arrived in the United States on April 1, 1985, to begin their specialized training for the mission. Their 14-hour training program aimed to accustom them to the daily life and challenges of living in space.

Training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston started with basic preparations such as selecting appropriate clothing and food for space. During shuttle launch and landing, wearing a blue jumpsuit is mandatory, but once in space, astronauts can wear clothes of their choice. Traditional Saudi attire was found unsuitable for zero-gravity conditions; however, for Prince Sultan, traditional Arabic foods were included, along with Zamzam water and dates from Madinah.

The most important training involved three scientific experiments and two observations, which constituted the core of Prince Sultan’s mission. These experiments were designed by a team of Saudi scientists led by Dr. Abdullah Dabbagh, the director of the Research Institute of Petroleum and Minerals (MAADEN). This team had also provided extensive training to Prince Sultan and Major Al Bassam.

The most delicate and challenging experiment was the Ionized Gas Experiment. Designed by Prince Turki bin Saud bin Muhammad Al Saud, a member of the Saudi royal family, this experiment was part of his PhD thesis. It aimed to observe and measure the interaction between Earth’s atmosphere and gases expelled by rocket engines. Most scientists believe that expelled gases do not affect the atmosphere, but Prince Sultan meticulously gathered data through one internal and six external cameras on the shuttle. This data is currently being analyzed using advanced computers to better understand gas diffusion in space.

For Earth observations, Prince Sultan was tasked with capturing images of southwestern Saudi Arabia using a 500 ELM camera and highly sensitive 70mm Ektachrome film. Despite a dust storm attempting to obstruct his efforts, he successfully captured excellent photographs. These images will reveal hidden water reservoirs, mineral resources, and the movement of desert sands.

Another experiment involved studying the mixing of oil and water, particularly relevant to oil tankers sinking and causing oil spills that threaten aquatic life and coastal communities. Using a zoom lens, Prince Sultan conducted experiments on Saudi, Kuwaiti, and Algerian oil samples. Comparing these results with ground experiments might help mitigate the harmful effects of oil spills.

An important honor for Prince Sultan was related to the crescent moon, which holds great significance in a Muslim’s life. He became the first Muslim to observe the crescent moon from space, not only seeing it before anyone on Earth but also photographing it

The Final Experiment and the Legacy of Prince Sultan’s Space Mission

The final experiment conducted during the space mission was particularly fascinating. Prince Sultan and French astronaut Patrick Baudry used highly sensitive instruments to record each other’s heartbeats, muscle tone, reflexes, memory, and more. Space travel has significant effects on the human body, with many astronauts reporting dizziness, headaches, and nausea upon return. The aim of this experiment was to determine the physiological impacts of spaceflight, thereby providing valuable medical research data.

For the Muslim world, Prince Sultan’s journey remains a source of immense pride. Equally commendable is the fact that these complex and sensitive scientific experiments were designed by Saudi scientists. The extensive training received by Prince Sultan and Major Al Bassam was made possible by these dedicated experts, whose contributions received international recognition and praise for their scientific excellence.

Saudi research institutions are equipped with state-of-the-art and highly sensitive instruments. A testament to this is the Image Processing Center at the University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, which is regarded as one of the leading research institutions in the world. One of its primary capabilities is analysing satellite and space shuttle imagery to detect natural resources such as minerals and water. Scientists at the university are also engaged in pioneering research in the fields of physics, chemistry, agriculture, and marine biology.

In Prince Sultan’s own words: “The Arab world today stands at a historic crossroads. We have passed through the phases of oil wealth and technological advancement. Now, our new generation is ready to compete globally in two of the most vital sectors—science and education. These are the keys that unlock the door to a brighter future, and my journey into space was merely a knock upon that door.”

After completing 111 orbits around the Earth, Prince Sultan was warmly welcomed back. Upon exiting the shuttle, he immediately underwent a medical examination. NASA honored him with the Space Pioneering Medal and a Merit certificate in recognition of his outstanding performance during the mission.

Speaking to reporters, Prince Sultan described the most heartwarming moment of his journey as seeing the lights of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province during his first orbit. However, his most emotional moments came during entry into and exit from Earth’s atmosphere. As he explained:
“At that moment, I truly felt we had reached space, and we had earned the right to be called astronauts. But on returning, I realized something far deeper—that no matter how far we go into space, humanity will always feel that Earth is our only true home, not space or anywhere else”.

A Hero’s Welcome and a Global Tribute: Prince Sultan’s Post-Space Journey

The reception that awaited Prince Sultan upon his return to Saudi Arabia was one rarely matched in recorded history. At Taif Airport, King Fahd himself was present to receive his nephew. In recognition of his pioneering achievement as the first Muslim astronaut, King Fahd awarded him the Kingdom’s highest civilian honour, the Order of King Abdulaziz, and promoted him to the rank of Major in the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Following his arrival in Taif, Prince Sultan immediately traveled to the holy city of Madinah to offer his respects at the sacred shrine of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. From there, he embarked on a nationwide tour of Saudi Arabia. In every city, it appeared as though the entire population had gathered to welcome him. Processions of vehicles stretching beyond the horizon and an atmosphere of unparalleled enthusiasm marked the celebrations. In addition to accolades and honors, the Saudi government issued two commemorative postage stamps to mark this historic achievement.

One, a 20 halala stamp, featured the space shuttle, a satellite, a mosque’s minaret, and the official emblem of the Kingdom. The second, a 115 halala stamp, displayed the shuttle in flight on one side, and on the other, bore NASA’s insignia and the names of the STS-51-G mission astronauts. When the announcement was first made that a member of the Saudi royal family would become the first Muslim in space, the world was taken by surprise. From June 7 to June 24, nearly ten million Arab viewers remained glued to their television screens, closely following the Prince’s every movement. Meanwhile, this tall, charismatic, and striking aviator captivated millions of viewers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.

Even in the United States, where space shuttle missions had become routine, this particular flight drew significant public attention. Prince Sultan captured hearts and imaginations with his simple yet profound statement:
“When you look at Earth from such a height, the conflicts—especially those in the Middle East—seem so strange, as all boundaries and borders vanish from view.”

In New York, Arab League Ambassador Clovis Maksoud hailed the mission, saying, “The Arabs are now poised to make a mark in the world of science.” Egyptian-born NASA scientist Dr. Farouk El-Baz remarked that this event had sparked a revolution in the minds of Arab youth. A veteran of the Apollo program, Dr. El-Baz had the distinction of selecting the lunar landing site for the Apollo missions and had long trained astronauts for NASA.

In September 1985, Prince Sultan undertook a goodwill tour of Europe, spending the most time in France. Cities such as Paris, Cannes, and several others hosted him with grandeur, but it was a vibrant ceremony in Paris that stood out. In the presence of senior French officials, Prince Sultan and his fellow astronauts were awarded France’s highest civilian honor—the Legion of Honour, originally established by Napoleon Bonaparte. On this occasion, the French Prime Minister emphasized the importance of using space exploration for peaceful purposes.
After his visit to France, Prince Sultan departed for the United States, this time as a guest of the National Association of American Arabs (NAAA). Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) provided a private Gulfstream jet for his travels. His first destination was Boston, where he gave several interviews and attended official receptions. In an interview with the Boston Globe, he remarked:
“I did not go into space alone—one billion Muslims went with me.”

Upon reaching Washington D.C., Prince Sultan was welcomed at the White House by President Ronald Reagan. He presented gifts to the President and spent some time in conversation. Later, he met Senator Jake Garn, who had flown aboard the Discovery shuttle in April 1985, becoming the first U.S. Senator in space. Also in attendance was John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth and now a sitting senator. That evening, the Saudi Embassy hosted a grand banquet in Prince Sultan’s honor, attended by prominent American dignitaries.
The next day, the Gulfstream jet landed in Dallas, where the highlight of the visit was a meeting with students at a Science and Engineering Magnet School. Even in Dallas, reporters continued to follow him, securing numerous interviews. The tour concluded with a formal NAAA dinner in his honor.

Prince Sultan’s grace, humility, and refined demeanor deeply impressed the American press. Everywhere he went, he was surrounded by reporters and dazzling camera flashes. In a short span, he gave numerous interviews, each prominently featured in major publications. One newspaper described him as “polished, courteous, and confident,” while another called him a “symbol of Islamic renaissance.” Aware of the significance of his mission, Prince Sultan told Maria Shriver of Columbia Broadcasting System. “My journey into space revived the legacy of our glorious Islamic civilization.”

A month later, in Istanbul, Prince Sultan once again emphasized science and progress as the way forward for the Muslim world. In his address, he urged: “Now is the time for Muslim nations to make their mark in science and technology, in a way that is befitting of their glorious past

Interview of Intelligent Children with Prince Sultan bin Salman

One of the most significant highlights of Prince Sultan bin Salman’s visit to the United States was his interaction with the students of the Science and Engineering Magnet School in Dallas, a distinguished institution where 136 exceptionally gifted children pursue their education. Under the guidance of expert and enthusiastic teachers, these students dedicate nearly half of each school day to exploring advanced subjects in science, engineering, and computing.
Upon arrival, Prince Sultan was warmly welcomed by the school’s principal, Ms. Helen Shaffer, along with the students. Following a brief tour of the campus, His Royal Highness began to share insights from his own life. As per the program, a documentary on Mission 51G, Prince Sultan’s historic spaceflight, was scheduled to be shown. However, at the Prince’s request, the sound was turned off so that he could narrate each moment and turning point of the mission based on his personal experiences.

For example, he recalled how, during liftoff, he had brought along a cassette recorder intending to capture his thoughts and feelings at that historic moment. Yet the gravitational force was so overwhelming that he could not even utter a word. While he had previously experienced G-forces in aviation, it had only been for brief moments. This time, he endured it for a full three minutes. He also spoke of deploying three satellites in space, sharing, “When a satellite is released, the shuttle jolts. It does not scare you, but the impact is certainly felt,” he told the students, who listened with rapt attention.

Following the film, Prince Sultan graciously agreed to answer questions, which led to an enthusiastic and uninterrupted flurry of inquiries from the students. With patience and kindness, he responded to each question, and the session continued for over an hour. Afterward, he signed autograph books and photographs for the students.

Below are some highlights from this engaging question-and-answer session.

Question: What types of astronauts are there, and what type were you?

Prince Sultan:
There are four main roles on a space shuttle crew. First is the commander, followed by the pilot, the mission specialist, and then the payload specialist. There can also be special observers, such as Senator Garn. I served as a payload specialist, along with French astronaut Patrick Baudry. Each payload specialist is selected about six months before the mission and begins training at NASA. Before arriving at NASA, preliminary training takes place in the astronaut’s home country.

I was selected only three months before the mission, so by the time I arrived at NASA, I had just two and a half months left for preparation. This meant I had to work double shifts. I trained for sixteen hours a day, every day, under the guidance of many brilliant scientists. Typically, payload specialists receive six months of training, while pilots and commanders require even more, often at least two years, especially since they may have to wait their turn for a mission. Thankfully, shuttle flights have become more routine, allowing for quicker deployment into space.

Question: What did you feel at the moment of take-off?

Prince Sultan:
It was far beyond anything I had imagined. Though I had undergone rigorous training, when you are accelerating at Mach 13 or 14, roughly 10,000 miles per hour, your body weight triples. A pilot might be familiar with that sensation, but when you are lying on your back during liftoff, your weight can increase to over six and a half times your normal weight. On aircraft, I had experienced forces as high as nine times my body weight, but those lasted only moments. During the shuttle launch, that pressure persisted for three entire minutes.

Question: Do you wish to go to space again?

Prince Sultan:
I certainly hope so.

Question: After returning to Earth, how long did it take for you to readjust to gravity?

Prince Sultan:
That is a very good question. It takes about a day and a half. Upon return, our medical reports were actually better than those of many previous crews. However, becoming accustomed to Earth’s gravity again is still difficult because, in space, you are used to “floating.” During my post-flight medical checkup, I was strapped in with multiple wires. I had a paper cup in my hand, and while speaking with my father on the phone, I instinctively let go of the cup, just as I would in space. Naturally, it fell straight to the ground.

Question: Did you enjoy being weightless in space?

Prince Sultan:
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have always said that children should be sent to space so they can come back with a whole new set of playful tricks. But of course, it is not all fun and games. Especially during the first two or three days, it is quite difficult. It feels as if all the fluids in your body are gathering in your chest and head. Your back aches, and you get headaches. I am not fond of taking medicine, so I simply endured all of it.

Question: What was the most uncomfortable thing about space?

Prince Sultan:
Sleeping. We slept, and yes, we completed our eight hours, but in space, no matter what position you try, it is never truly comfortable. On Earth, you lie down and feel rested. In space, even without gravity, you can float in any position, and it still does not feel right. The best solution is to find a quiet corner, secure yourself to something, and try to sleep that way. After two or three days, you start to get used to it.

Question: How many sunrises and sunsets did you witness?

Prince Sultan:
When you orbit the Earth every ninety minutes, you see the sun rise and set sixteen times in a single Earth day. But that is part of space life. In the morning, there is no formal breakfast time. You simply get up and get to work. You gather your papers and start the day. Your mind has to be alert as soon as you wake up. Sometimes you wake up, and within half an hour, it is dark again. Then you ask yourself, “I just woke up—what happened?”

Question: What did you miss the most in space?

Prince Sultan:
You miss space itself. Real, open space. There are seven people on the shuttle. Do not be misled by cameras that make everything look larger. NASA may say there is plenty of room because you can float, but in reality, it feels very crowded. After returning, I just wanted to lie down in the middle of a wide open road.

Question: I noticed you were wearing two watches. Why?

Prince Sultan:
Very observant. Hardly anyone noticed that. I wore two watches because one showed Florida time, which I used to follow prayer timings, and the other showed mission time, which was used to coordinate all activities on board.

This insightful exchange between Prince Sultan and the students offered a rare glimpse into the challenges, wonders, and deeply human moments of space travel. His candid reflections and thoughtful answers inspired not just admiration, but a greater understanding of the discipline, adaptation, and spirit of exploration that space demands.

Question: During your training, did you make many friends?

Prince Sultan:
You might already know that I received my early education here in the United States. I’ve traveled extensively and have learned quite a bit about your history—but please don’t try to quiz me on it. One thing you truly realize in space is perspective. During the first two days, every astronaut eagerly points out, “There’s my country, there it is!” But by the third time around, your attention shifts—you begin to see only continents, not nations. And by the fifth day, you barely see even that, at least mentally. All you see is Earth. It turns into a single object, like a sphere floating in space.

Wherever I go now, I feel at home—not just in Saudi Arabia. You know, many people talk about finding new places to live, like Mars or elsewhere. I believe that’s nonsense. In my opinion, Earth is the best place to live. God has given us this extraordinary planet—why waste time searching for another? We should be spending our time improving this one, because Earth is, without a doubt, a truly beautiful place.