After securing the votes of 14 international candidates, Saudi aerospace engineer Mishaal Ashemimry has been elected vice-president of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).

Hemimry, an aerospace engineer who specializes in rockets, has become the first Saudi woman to hold the leadership position after being elected as a vice-president.

Her vision for the development of the global space industry as well as her role in strengthening the Kingdom's aerospace industry contributed to her election to the world's leading space advocacy organization.

Her election supports the Kingdom's efforts to play a role in the development of the aerospace industry, especially since the Kingdom announced its plans to send the first Saudi female astronaut into space as part of its recently launched programme for training Saudi male and female astronauts.

In Melbourne, Florida, Ashemimri studied aerospace engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology. She graduated with two majors – aerospace engineering and applied mathematics.

In addition to its 400 members from 71 countries, the IAF represents leading space agencies, space companies, industries, research institutions, universities, societies, associations, museums, and institutes.

With its prestigious annual awards, it offers a platform for experts from space agencies to share knowledge, conduct research, and recognize their accomplishments in collaboration with the International Academy of Astronautics and the International Institute of Space Law.

By promoting global cooperation, the federation advances knowledge about space and promotes the development and application of space assets.

Organizing the annual International Astronautical Congress and other thematic conferences and workshops, the IAF promotes the development of astronautics for peaceful purposes as well as the dissemination of space-related scientific and technical information.