RIYADH: Aerospace engineer Mishaal Ashemimry has become the first Saudi woman to hold a leadership position at the International Astronautical Federation after being elected as one of the body’s 12 vice presidents. Ashemimry was elected to the post at the world’s leading space advocacy body due to her enhanced vision for the development of the space sector globally, her contribution to the development and consolidation of the federation’s directions, and her role in strengthening the Kingdom’s leadership position in the aerospace sector, Saudi Press Agency reported. The IAF has over 400 members from 71 different countries and they include leading agencies, space companies, industries, research institutions, universities, societies, associations, museums, and institutes. The federation advances knowledge about space, supporting the development and application of space assets by promoting global cooperation. As organizer of the annual International Astronautical Congress as well as other thematic conferences and workshops, the IAF actively encourages the development of astronautics for peaceful purposes and supports the dissemination of scientific and technical information related to space.