Russian astronauts visit PSSO

RIYADH: Three Russian astronauts from space dropped in for a visit to the Prince Salman Science Oasis (PSSO) as part of the Association of Space Explorers (ASE) program during their 25th Assembly in Riyadh this week.
Space explorers Andrey Borisenko, Alexander Samokutyaev, and Anton Shkaplerov chatted with young Saudi students, sharing their experiences and answering questions.
Astronaut Ivanishin said taking photos of cities from outer space can be challenging at night. “Yet, I was amazed to find the cities of Makkah and Madinah outshone other cities around the world. It was a breathtaking spectacle I have never witnessed before.”
The astronauts were guests of Khalid Abdul Gader Taher, supervisor general of PSSO. Through the science center and associated activities, PSSO aims to improve public awareness of science and promote scientific knowledge and its practical applications in ways that respect cultural diversity and freedom.
Taher said the Russian astronaut’s observation was inspiring from a spiritual point of view. He said it was reflected in the fact that among thousands of cities on earth, the brightest light he saw from space was from Makkah and Madinah.