Aerospace engineer, trained in Tunisia and then in Italy, Salsabil Houij will participate in a mission in terrestrial orbit in 2029. A major step towards his dream of becoming an astronaut.
The Tunisian Salsabil Houij has been selected by Titans Space Industries to take part in a space mission planned in 2029. The flight will take place in low orbit, about 300 km altitude, as part of a training program for future astronauts. For the young engineer, this is the culmination of more than 17 years of hard work.
Aged in his thirties, Salsabil Houij grew up in Tunisia where she followed her engineering studies, before continuing her career in Italy in the field of aerospace. In 2025, it was retained by Titans Space Industries, a private company specializing in space exploration, to participate in an experimental orbital mission.
Invited this Thursday on Mosaic FM Thursday, Salsabil explained that the mission will take place 300 km above sea level, at a lower altitude than that of the international space station. The flight will last five hours, including three in weightlessness, aboard a hybrid vessel, between rocket and plane.
Before boarding, it will have to go through a long preparation process: two years of intensive training (technical, psychological, medical); a selection test at the end of this phase; And in the event of success, one year training dedicated to tasks aboard the mission.
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Reactions
On her social networks, the young engineer shared her emotion:
“I worked on this goal for 17 years, starting from nothing. Today it becomes reality. »»
She also sent a message to young people in the region:
“It is not only a personal success, it is a pride for all Tunisians and the Arab world. Science is our most precious treasure. Never stop learning or believing in your dreams. »»
His career already arouses admiration and enthusiasm. Many Internet users have praised an inspiring success, especially in an area still little open to Arab women.
Context
This mission is part of an opening strategy of the space sector to the private sector, with programs accessible to international profiles. Titans Space Industries seeks to form a new generation of astronauts in anticipation of future inhabited missions to the Moon – even Mars.
On the Tunisian side, this selection represents a historical first. No Tunisian citizens have to date have participated in a inhabited space mission. Salsabil Houij thus joins the rare Arab figures in the sector, in an environment still very closed.
