Ali Alqarni is an astronaut who represented the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as mission specialist on Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2).
Alqarni brings more than 12 years of flying experience with 2,387 flight hours. He is a knowledgeable fighter pilot with experience on multiple aircraft, including the Cessna 172, T-6, T-38, and F-15S. He primarily has piloted the F-15SA in service to the Royal Saudi Air Force.
Ali Alqarni credits a visit to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, while training with the U.S. Air Force as a member of the Royal Saudi Air Force, for fueling his interest in space. It was the moment that fed his imagination and with the support of the Saudi Space Commission, he is now an inaugural member of the Saudi National Astronaut Program and will be serving as a mission specialist on Axiom Space’s second private astronaut mission, Ax-2. He will be making history as the second Saudi male astronaut and one of the first Saudi astronauts to visit the International Space Station.
Throughout his distinguished career, Alqarni has shown he works effectively with crew members to prepare for and execute highly successful routine and special missions. He is proficient at managing multiple mission scenarios and has extensive experience in controlling aircraft operations and making real-time adjustments based on changing mechanical, air, and ground conditions.
As an athletic enthusiast, Alqarni has participated in bungee jumping and mountain hiking in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Alqarni has participated in survival training courses, including water survival, centrifuge training, and military deployments.
Alqarni holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace science from King Faisal Air Academy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While not working, Alqarni enjoys spending time with his young daughter and family. He spends his free time making coffee, grilling steaks, and restoring antique cars.
Pronunciation
Ali Al-car-knee
