Our Team
STRIVE is the result of a visionary collaboration between Sara Sabry, the first Egyptian astronaut, and first Arab and African woman in space, and Dr Benjamin Pothier, a space artist and seasoned expert in extreme environments and human spaceflight research.
Together, they’ve united their unique expertise to push the boundaries of exploration and innovation.
Sara Sabry CEO & Founder
Sara Sabry is a pioneering mechanical and biomedical engineer, PhD student in Aerospace Science, the first Egyptian astronaut, and the first Arab and African woman in space. With a diverse background spanning formula 3 car design, AI in robotic surgery, bioastronautics, and stem cell research, Sara is dedicated to advancing space exploration while addressing global environmental challenges. As the founder of Deep Space Initiative, she advocates for inclusivity and accessibility in space, empowering the next generation of explorers. Sara's leadership is driving STRIVE to bridge the gap between Earth and space through innovative research and mission-driven projects.
Dr. Benjamin Pothier Creative Director & Co-Founder
Dr. Benjamin Pothier is an expert in extreme environments and human spaceflight research, with a background as a space artist and analog astronaut. Having completed seven space mission simulations and several Arctic expeditions, Ben brings his unique creative vision to STRIVE, curating art-science projects that explore the intersection of space, technology, and sustainability. His work has been featured in international scientific publications, and he is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of exploration, using art to tell powerful stories about humanity’s journey into space and its impact on Earth.