Dedicated to the Mission: Making Space Exploration Accessible

Last year, Sara Sabry made history as the first Egyptian, the first Arab woman, and the first African woman to venture into space.

Trained in engineering and bioastronautics, she was selected to be one of six space tourists on a Blue Origin NS-22 sub-orbital space flight in August 2022 by the non-profit Space for Humanity. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in aerospace sciences at the University of North Dakota, the 30-year-old has recognized the lack of opportunities in space research for those outside of the West and has established Deep Space Initiative in Colorado. This non-profit aims to broaden access to the space industry for individuals from diverse backgrounds through research and educational opportunities.

CNN interviewed Sabry at the Dubai Airshow last week to learn more about her space travel experience and the reasons behind her founding of Deep Space Initiative. The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

CNN: What was your reaction when you found out you were chosen to travel to space?

Sabry: I received the call on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, when humans first landed on the moon. It was a very special day for me. Considering where I come from and the idea that it was always seen as impossible, it was hard to believe. However, I understand the weight of the responsibility that comes with this opportunity.

CNN: What was your reaction upon liftoff?

Sabry: It was the most exhilarating sensation I've ever had. As the engine ignited and we ascended, the sky quickly changed from light blue to dark blue to purple and finally to black, signaling our arrival in space. It was a breathtaking and humbling experience. I believe it's the ultimate feeling of freedom.

Sabry was chosen to join the Blue Origins flight by the non-profit Space for Humanity

Blue Origin

CNN: What did you feel when you first saw Earth from space?

Sabry found it incredibly disorienting, as humans have not evolved to perceive Earth from the vantage point of space. We tend to view space as something distant and separate from Earth, when in fact it's not. The realization of this can be truly mind-altering, fundamentally altering one's perception of reality and understanding of the world. Personally, this shift in perspective has had a much greater impact on me than I had anticipated, particularly in terms of realizing the immense scale of the world and the profound interconnectedness of everything.

The private bedroom, fitted with a king-size bed. At the Dubai Air Show, potential customers could experience the concept cabin design in virtual reality.

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CNN: Why did you set up the Deep Space Initiative?

Sabry: The deeper I delved into the space industry, the more challenges I encountered, particularly for those who are not from the West or hold US or European citizenship. At my company, we welcome individuals from diverse nationalities to contribute their unique perspectives in addressing these challenges. Currently, we are proud to have 205 employees from 28 different countries working on 53 space projects, which is truly remarkable.

Sabry: The Deep Space Initiative has been conducting various research programs, and it's truly inspiring to witness the caliber of work produced by these groups. These incredibly intelligent and qualified individuals have been given the opportunity to conduct this research, and it's evident that all they needed was this chance. All they needed was someone to believe in them. I sincerely hope that this initiative will instill this belief in many more people around the world.

Sabry hopes more women from Egypt and Africa will enter the space industry.

Blue Origin

CNN: Why is it crucial to have diversity and inclusion in the space industry?

Sabry: Restricting opportunities for individuals from certain countries also limits the potential solutions to various problems and the overall advancement in the field. Representation demonstrates that anything is achievable. As a child, I never dreamed of becoming an astronaut because it wasn't a path I was familiar with, and I was told it wasn't an option for people like me. Having representation sends the message that "someone else has accomplished this, and so can you."

CNN: What significance does it hold for you to be the first Egyptian, African, and Arab woman to journey to space?

Sabry: As I sat in the rocket, it wasn't just me going to space, but also my country and continent. It felt like a significant step forward, not just for myself, but for many others. It is important for them to have representation and to see that despite being told otherwise, anything is possible. Every decision I make is dedicated to serving this purpose.