Breaking Barriers: An Exclusive Interview with Astronaut Sara Sabry

By Dipti Nair

Sara Sabry, an Egyptian mechanical and biomedical engineer, made history as the first Arab woman to travel to space. Her journey into the space industry was not a traditional one—coming from a country without a human spaceflight program, she carved her own path through determination and perseverance. In this exclusive interview, she shares her experiences, challenges, and insights on space exploration and inspiring future generations.

Q: Did you always want to be an astronaut?

Sara Sabry: No, I didn't always want to be an astronaut because growing up in Egypt, it wasn’t something we were exposed to. We didn’t have rocket launches, astronauts on the news, or anyone from our side of the world in space. It wasn’t even something I considered a possibility. My interest in space developed later, after my master’s degree while working full-time. My curiosity about the world led me to believe that for us to truly understand our existence, humanity must become multi-planetary. That realization, combined with my background in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, biomedical research, robotic surgery, and stem cells, made me realize that my expertise was actually highly relevant to the space industry.

Q: What was the most difficult part of becoming an astronaut?

Sara Sabry: The hardest part is getting selected. Opportunities are extremely limited, and even astronauts who are chosen may never actually make it to space. The odds are incredibly slim. Coming from a country without a human spaceflight program, I had no clear path to follow unless I obtained another nationality or passport. That made it even harder. However, astronaut training itself is like any other challenge—it’s difficult but not impossible. Physically, our bodies are strong and adaptable. I was a yoga instructor and a CrossFit athlete, so pushing my body to extremes was something I enjoyed. I knew the training would be tough, but I wasn’t afraid of it. There are technical skills to learn, like handling high G-forces and breathing techniques to prevent blacking out, but everything is learnable. If someone else has done it, then it’s possible.

Q: What was it like seeing Earth from space?

Sara Sabry: It was the most profound experience of my life. It completely shattered my reality. Seeing Earth from space changes your perspective on humanity, our planet, and your own sense of responsibility. It made me realize that I have a duty to take bigger risks, to use my voice, and to not be afraid to speak up. Before going to space, I never thought that a girl from Egypt could matter so much. In our region, women’s dreams are often not taken as seriously as men’s. But when you achieve something, your voice becomes louder. That’s why I always tell people to dream big—if your dream terrifies you, it means you’re on the right path. Don’t be discouraged by rejection. Every ‘no’ is a sign that you’re breaking barriers.

Q: What advice do you have for people facing rejection?

Sara Sabry: Rejection is a part of innovation. If you’re doing something new or different, resistance is inevitable. Think of it as an equation: Innovation = Something Established + A New Idea + Resistance. If you’re not facing resistance, you’re not truly changing anything. So when someone tells you that you can’t do something, do it anyway. Keep pushing forward, because every breakthrough was once considered impossible.

Q: Can you tell us about the Deep-Space Initiative?

Sara Sabry: I founded the Deep-Space Initiative in 2021 to increase access to the space industry for people worldwide, regardless of their background or resources. We don’t focus on where you come from—we look at your motivation and experience. We’ve hosted multiple courses and podcasts, and we’re continuously growing. Right now, applications for our latest program are open, but only for a few more days. If you’re interested, check out our website!

Sara Sabry’s journey is a testament to perseverance, ambition, and breaking barriers. Her story inspires countless individuals to dream beyond limitations and reach for the stars.

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