Mariam Fardous

Mariam Fardous is a trailblazing scientist, athlete, and astronaut who has consistently pushed boundaries and broken barriers. Driven by a deep passion for science, exploration, and adventure, she has long dreamed of venturing beyond Earth—and into space. Today, she is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished professionals in her field.

Born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Mariam grew up in a family environment that nurtured her curiosity and love for science. That early foundation, combined with an unwavering desire to explore the unknown, fueled her path to becoming an astronaut. Her mission now is to inspire future generations to dream boldly, push beyond limitations, and serve humanity by improving quality of life.

With more than 15 years of experience in medicine and public health, she specializes in data analysis and strategic health management. She has applied Business Intelligence tools to develop KPIs and performance scorecards that have enhanced decision-making and improved operational outcomes across health systems.

Academically, Mariam holds a Master’s degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Riyadh and a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. She also earned a diploma in Business Administration from Missouri State University, USA, and has completed advanced coursework in data analysis and project management.

Mariam is a certified professional scuba diver and made history in 2016 as the first Arab woman—and only the third woman in the world—to dive at the North Pole. This milestone, along with her earlier Arctic dives, speaks to her resilience and determination to navigate some of the planet’s most extreme environments. These exploration skills directly supported her astronaut training with NASA, ESA, JAXA, SpaceX, and Axiom.  

In 2022, she joined the Saudi National Astronaut Program, completing its rigorous training and earning her qualification for future human spaceflight missions. In addition to her scientific and exploratory achievements, Fardous is deeply committed to humanitarian work. She teaches individuals with special needs how to scuba dive, giving them access to a liberating, transformative experience. She considers this among the most meaningful contributions of her career.