On Saturday, August 13, 2022, Telnet Group celebrated the 66th Women's Day in a grand ceremony by unveiling the eight Tunisian candidates shortlisted for the selection of the first female astronaut in Tunisia and Africa.

Graduates of the Borj Al-Amri aviation school, these candidates are part of the air force and possess extensive experience in various challenging missions. All of them are fighter pilots, showcasing the exceptional capabilities and achievements of women in the field of aviation and aerospace.

Four candidates were present at the ceremony, while the other four, on missions abroad, followed remotely.

The attendees expressed their determination to rise to this historic challenge, aiming to raise the Tunisian national flag on the International Space Station and contribute to scientific advancements for humanity.

Given that the selection process for this demanding role requires strict conditions regarding scientific, physiological, and physical criteria, the eight candidates were preselected based on these rigorous standards.

In the next phase, they will undergo thorough physical and medical tests in Tunisia and abroad, ultimately selecting two candidates to be sent to Russia for one year of specialized training in the space field at the Russian Space Agency’s training centers. This will be followed by a mission to the International Space Station, scheduled for 2024.

Expressing his excitement at the gradual realization of his dream to send a Tunisian woman into space, TELNET General Director Mohamed Frikha stated that all the candidates are a source of pride for Tunisian women and represent them in the best possible way. Their candidacy for this mission reflects their courage and determination to honor their country and make history in one of the most complex fields.

Frikha indicated that the astronaut will be tasked with a scientific mission in the fields of physics and medicine and that her mission will undoubtedly benefit humanity.

He added that the project to send the first Tunisian and African astronaut was launched two years ago and has received support and encouragement from the state at the highest level, as the pursuit of science and technology is a common aspiration for all Tunisians. The success of this project will be a victory for Tunisia and its people, raising the national flag among nations.

On the occasion of the same event, the astronauts aboard the International Space Station delivered a message to the Tunisian candidates, expressing their support for the project and their anticipation of welcoming the first Tunisian astronaut on her future mission in orbit.