Falak plans first Arab nonprofit space research mission by late March.

Riyadh, March 26, 2025, Falak for Space Science and Research has announced the launch of Saudi Arabia’s first research mission to study the eye microbiome in space, set to take place at the end of this month as part of the FRAM2 mission in polar orbit, in collaboration with SpaceX.

This experiment is part of the organization’s broader efforts to advance space medicine research. It aims to examine the effects of microgravity on the eye’s natural microbiome, enhancing understanding of astronaut eye health and exploring potential medical applications on Earth. The preparation, integration, and transportation phases have been successfully completed without errors, ensuring a seamless transition to the launch phase under the highest scientific and technical standards.

The research team has gathered biological samples and conducted precise microbial cultivation in specialized laboratories. The integration phase, including comprehensive environmental and mechanical testing, has also been finalized to ensure the samples endure launch conditions and return safely from space.

Studying the eye microbiome in space is an emerging field of research. This experiment will assess microbial growth rates in space versus Earth, analyze genetic and proteomic changes due to microgravity exposure, and evaluate microbes’ ability to form biofilms, which may heighten infection risks in space. Additionally, it will examine microbial resistance to antibiotics following microgravity exposure, as such resistance could develop over time.

This study aligns with global efforts to investigate space’s impact on human health. While research has explored the effects of microgravity on the gastrointestinal and oral microbiomes, the eye microbiome remains largely uncharted. This mission marks a significant step in closing a critical research gap and deepening scientific insights into the effects of space travel on eye health.