Saudi Space Agency and KFSHRC Sign MoU to Advance Space Medicine
The Saudi Space Agency signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today with King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) to strengthen collaboration in biotechnology under microgravity conditions, astronaut health, education, and scientific research, in support of national priorities and to build sustainable human capabilities.
The MoU was signed by Acting CEO of the Saudi Space Agency Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi and Royal Court Advisor and CEO of KFSHRC Dr. Majid Al-Fayyadh, in the presence of senior officials from both sides at the hospital’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The memorandum stipulates developing a joint framework for cooperation to establish a strategic partnership between the two sides in astronaut health and biotechnology, and forming specialized teams to identify priority projects and their implementation mechanisms.
It also includes supporting and advancing scientific and innovative research in health and biotechnology under microgravity conditions, enabling the translation of research outputs into practical applications, and cooperating on astronaut healthcare programs covering medical services before, during, and after space missions, as part of the agency’s efforts to empower scientific research and enhance innovation in vital fields.
KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally in the list of the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers for 2025, as well as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, according to Brand Finance 2024. It was also included in the World’s Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025 by Newsweek magazine.
The Saudi Space Agency attaches great importance to advancing research in life sciences and space medicine. As part of its “Saudi Journey to Space” mission, the agency conducted advanced experiments in stem cell research, cardiovascular studies, and neurological and brain research under microgravity conditions, reflecting its commitment to building quality partnerships with leading national scientific and medical institutions and strengthening the Kingdom’s presence in space-related life sciences.
