Sahba El-Shawa
Sahba El-Shawa is the first Jordanian and the first female Palestinian analog astronaut, as well as the Founder of the Jordan Space Research Initiative (JSRI) and the Palestine Space Institute (PSI).
An award-winning space and sustainability researcher, Sahba’s work bridges engineering, ethics, and policy to reimagine how space exploration can serve people and the planet. She holds a BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia, an MSc in Space Studies from the International Space University, and a PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change from IUSS Pavia in Italy.
Her research spans Earth Observation, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual Reality applications for sustainability and climate policy, alongside prior work with the European Space Agency’s Clean Space initiative and Φ-lab, and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR).
As the Executive Director of JSRI, Sahba leads our efforts to connect space research with sustainability and community empowerment. Guided by a vision of an inclusive and ethical space future, Sahba continues to push the boundaries of what space can mean for humanity.
Zaina Abu Sha'ar
Zaina Abu Sha’ar is the Director of Operations at JSRI, where she leads mission planning, systems design, and operational strategy for analog space missions in Wadi Rum. Her work ensures that each mission’s scientific and technical goals are executed with precision and collaboration.
Zaina holds a Master’s degree in Space Engineering Systems with a focus on mission design, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Space Weather. She previously interned at NASA Ames Research Center and contributed to MASAR, the initiative that designed and built Jordan’s first CubeSat.
With six years of experience at a business incubator, Zaina brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic development to JSRI, driving growth through partnerships and innovation. Her work reflects a commitment to advancing Jordan’s role in global space exploration and empowering future generations of space professionals.
Merna Zrekat
Merna Alzurikat is the Director of Communications and Outreach at JSRI, where she leads communication strategies, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development. Her work focuses on building awareness around JSRI’s mission and strengthening connections between space research and local communities.
Merna is an architect with six years of consulting experience across the Middle East. She holds a Master of Science in Urban Science, Policy, and Planning from the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities in Singapore and contributes to UN-Habitat’s Capacity Development and Training Unit, advancing knowledge on sustainable urbanization.
Through her work, Merna supports JSRI’s vision of inclusive, community-centered space exploration that creates tangible benefits on Earth.
Jude Alsaadi
Jude Alsaadi is an Implementation Support Officer at JSRI, where she provides operational and logistical support across missions and projects. Her role involves assisting with on-site mission support, communications, and the implementation of strategic initiatives that contribute to JSRI’s growth and impact.
Jude holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Accounting from the German Jordanian University and currently works in mergers and acquisitions consulting. She has gained professional experience through internships at DHL, PwC, and EY.
With a versatile and solutions-oriented approach, Jude plays a key role in supporting the smooth execution of JSRI’s activities and advancing the organization’s vision for accessible and community-centered space research in Jordan.
Ghayda Al-Sona
Ghayda Al-Sona is an Implementation Support Officer at JSRI, where she contributes to outreach, community engagement, and local activities. Her work focuses on connecting space research with people through inclusive engagement, public communication, and locally grounded initiatives.
Ghayda holds a Master’s degree in Urban, Environmental, and Territorial Planning from the University of Palermo in Italy and a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Sciences from the German Jordanian University. She previously worked as a Junior Architect at Engicon, an international engineering consultancy based in Amman, and has been involved in several community-driven research and sustainability projects.
Passionate about participatory design, spatial justice, and sustainable development, Ghayda supports JSRI’s vision of ensuring that space exploration benefits both local communities and future generations.
