Published On 11/6/2026
Layali Al-Khatib, 18 years old and a student in the Faculty of Engineering at Palestine Polytechnic University, was not planning to simply study science, but rather aspired to create it. With features filled with joy and pride, Layali spoke about her long journey, saying: “The dream was from childhood and is still growing. The dream was and still is to be one of the heroes exploring the universe.”
This passion for astronomy and astrophysics was not just a passing hobby, but rather turned into a serious research path. Layali prepared specialized research focusing on studying gravity in space and its varying influence between planets, in addition to advanced research in the field of space robotics. This distinction led her to participate in prominent international scientific conferences and competitions in major countries such as the United States of America and Germany.
Layali’s path to the stars was not paved with roses, but rather passed through a strict filter of international standards. Regarding the details of this challenge, she says: The first stage was submitting the initial application and obtaining approval, then going through a complex series of psychological, intellectual and health tests to ensure her complete suitability to the difficult space conditions, as well as passing precise personal interviews with former (veteran) astronauts, where Layali demonstrated great superiority that enhanced her final selection within the program.
Layali confirms that reaching this stage required strenuous scientific efforts, and facing many challenges and difficulties, which she succeeded in overcoming thanks to her determination, the support of her family and school, especially her father, in addition to the extensive care she received from the administration of Palestine Polytechnic University.
Layali does not view this achievement only as a personal success, but rather as a message of hope for her entire country, as she said: “Palestine’s arrival at this stage is a very great achievement,” considering that this choice puts the name of Palestine once again and with certainty back on the map of countries interested in outer space science.
At the conclusion of her speech, the youngest candidate for astronaut in the world sent an inspiring message to the youth of her generation, hoping that it would be a torch that lights the way for Palestinian and Arab students aspiring to break into astronomy. She said eagerly: “I hope I am not the last,” thus opening a new door of hope. A door that extends from the Blessed Earth directly to the galaxies of the vast universe.
