# Muhammed Faris Al-Aqidi

> Syrian cosmonaut (1951–2024)

**Wikidata**: [Q430996](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q430996)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammed_Faris)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/muhammed-faris-al-aqidi

## Summary
Muhammed Faris Al-Aqidi was a Syrian cosmonaut and military pilot who became the first Syrian and the second Arab in space. He flew aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz TM-3 in 1987 as part of the Intercosmos program, conducting scientific experiments during his mission. His historic flight marked a significant milestone in Arab space exploration and earned him prestigious Soviet honors, including the title Hero of the Soviet Union.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 26, 1951
- **Died**: April 19, 2024
- **Nationality**: Syrian
- **Occupation**: Cosmonaut, Aircraft Pilot, Military Personnel
- **Known for**: First Syrian and second Arab in space; recipient of the Hero of the Soviet Union award
- **Awards**: Hero of the Soviet Union, Order of Lenin, Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration"
- **Affiliation**: Syrian Air Force, Soviet Intercosmos program

## Contributions
Muhammed Faris Al-Aqidi made history as the first Syrian cosmonaut and the second Arab to travel to space. On July 22, 1987, he launched aboard Soyuz TM-3 as part of the Intercosmos program, a Soviet initiative that allowed non-Soviet citizens to participate in space missions. During his eight-day mission, he conducted scientific experiments in Earth observation, materials science, and biology, contributing valuable data to both Soviet and Syrian research programs. His participation in the mission strengthened scientific and diplomatic ties between Syria and the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. Faris was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Lenin for his contributions to space exploration, becoming one of the few non-Soviet recipients of these prestigious honors. In 2010, he was further recognized with Russia's Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration," cementing his legacy in the history of human spaceflight.

## FAQs

**What was Muhammed Faris Al-Aqidi's historic achievement?**
Muhammed Faris Al-Aqidi became the first Syrian and the second Arab to travel to space when he flew aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz TM-3 in July 1987. His mission was part of the Intercosmos program, which promoted international cooperation in space exploration during the Cold War.

**What awards did Muhammed Faris receive for his space mission?**
For his contributions to space exploration, Faris was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union, the highest honor in the USSR, along with the Order of Lenin. In 2010, he received Russia's Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration," recognizing his enduring impact on space science.

**How did Muhammed Faris contribute to scientific research?**
During his eight-day mission aboard Soyuz TM-3, Faris conducted experiments in Earth observation, materials science, and biology. These experiments provided valuable data that advanced both Soviet and Syrian scientific research, particularly in remote sensing and microgravity studies.

**What was the significance of Faris's mission in Arab history?**
Faris's flight marked a pivotal moment in Arab space exploration, demonstrating the region's capability to participate in advanced scientific endeavors. His mission inspired future generations of Arab scientists and astronauts, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration in space research.

**What was Muhammed Faris's background before becoming a cosmonaut?**
Before his spaceflight, Faris served as a military pilot in the Syrian Air Force, gaining extensive experience in aviation. His background in military aviation made him a strong candidate for the Intercosmos program, which required skilled pilots for space missions.

## Why They Matter
Muhammed Faris Al-Aqidi's journey to space was more than a personal achievement—it was a landmark event for Syria, the Arab world, and international space cooperation. As the first Syrian in space, he broke barriers and demonstrated that Arab nations could participate in the global space race during a period dominated by superpowers. His mission fostered scientific exchange between Syria and the Soviet Union, leading to advancements in remote sensing and materials research that had practical applications in both countries. Faris's success inspired a generation of Arab scientists and engineers, proving that space exploration was not limited to Western or Soviet bloc nations. His legacy endures in the growing interest in space science across the Middle East, with later Arab astronauts, such as Sultan bin Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia and Hazza Al Mansouri of the UAE, following in his footsteps. Without Faris's pioneering mission, the Arab world's presence in space exploration might have been delayed, and the region's contributions to global space science would be less recognized today.

## Notable For
- First Syrian and second Arab cosmonaut to travel to space
- Recipient of the Hero of the Soviet Union award, the highest Soviet honor
- Awarded the Order of Lenin for his contributions to space exploration
- Conducted scientific experiments aboard Soyuz TM-3 in 1987
- Recipient of Russia's Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" (2010)
- Symbol of Arab achievement in space science and international cooperation
- Pioneered Syria's participation in the Soviet Intercosmos program

## Body

### Early Life and Military Career
Muhammed Faris Al-Aqidi was born on May 26, 1951, in Syria. He pursued a career in aviation, joining the Syrian Air Force, where he trained as a military pilot. His expertise in aircraft piloting made him a prime candidate for Syria's participation in the Soviet Union's Intercosmos program, which aimed to promote international cooperation in space exploration by allowing non-Soviet citizens to fly on Soviet missions.

### Selection and Training for Spaceflight
In the mid-1980s, Faris was selected as Syria's representative for the Intercosmos program. He underwent rigorous training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, where he prepared for the physical and technical challenges of spaceflight. His training included simulations of microgravity, spacecraft operations, and scientific experiment procedures, ensuring he was fully prepared for his historic mission.

### Historic Space Mission: Soyuz TM-3
On July 22, 1987, Muhammed Faris launched aboard Soyuz TM-3 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The mission was part of the Intercosmos program and marked Syria's first manned spaceflight. Faris served as a research cosmonaut alongside Soviet cosmonauts Alexander Viktorenko and Aleksandr Aleksandrov. During the eight-day mission, he conducted a series of scientific experiments focused on Earth observation, materials science, and biological studies. These experiments were designed to benefit both Soviet and Syrian research programs, particularly in the fields of remote sensing and microgravity effects on materials.

The mission was a success, and Faris returned to Earth on July 30, 1987, landing safely in Kazakhstan. His participation in the mission was a significant diplomatic and scientific achievement for Syria, demonstrating the country's capability to engage in advanced scientific research and international collaboration.

### Awards and Recognition
In recognition of his contributions to space exploration, Muhammed Faris was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, the highest honor bestowed by the Soviet Union. He also received the Order of Lenin, one of the USSR's most prestigious awards. These honors were rarely given to non-Soviet citizens, underscoring the significance of Faris's mission. In 2010, the Russian Federation further recognized his legacy by awarding him the Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration," a testament to his enduring impact on the field.

### Legacy and Influence
Muhammed Faris Al-Aqidi's mission had a profound impact on Syria and the broader Arab world. His achievement inspired future generations of Arab scientists, engineers, and astronauts, proving that Arab nations could participate in the global space race. His mission also strengthened scientific and diplomatic ties between Syria and the Soviet Union, facilitating further cooperation in space research and technology.

Faris's legacy extends beyond his historic flight. He became a symbol of Arab achievement in science and technology, encouraging greater investment in STEM education and research across the Middle East. His success paved the way for subsequent Arab astronauts, including Sultan bin Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, who flew on the U.S. Space Shuttle in 1985, and Hazza Al Mansouri of the UAE, who traveled to the International Space Station in 2019.

### Later Life and Death
After his spaceflight, Faris continued to be involved in scientific and educational initiatives in Syria. He remained a prominent figure in the country's scientific community, advocating for greater investment in space research and technology. Muhammed Faris Al-Aqidi passed away on April 19, 2024, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in Arab space exploration and a symbol of international cooperation in science.

## References

1. [وفاة رائد الفضاء السوري المنشق محمد فارس. aljazeera.com. 2024](https://www.aljazeera.net/news/2024/4/19/%D9%88%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B6%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D8%B4%D9%82-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%AF)
2. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm)
3. [Cosmonaut Muhammed Faris, first Syrian in space, dies at 72. 2024](http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-041924a-syrian-cosmonaut-muhammed-faris-obituary.html)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013