- Safiu Kehinde
A Lagos-born lawyer and politician, Owolabi Salis, has emerged as the first Nigerian to travel to space.
Born in Ikorodu area of Lagos state, Salis was part of the six-man crew of Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission, which launched from West Texas, United States, on Sunday.
The New York City-based Attorney recorded the historical feat alongside the other passengers identified as Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin.
According to Space in Africa, the expedition soared past the Kármán line—the demarcation widely regarded as the threshold of outer space—reaching a zenith of 105.2 kilometres above sea level.
The 10-minute ascent and descent were performed the Blue Origin’s New Shepard programme, an initiative owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
The programme has reportedly enabled civilians to experience space without the conventional rigours of astronaut training.
Prior to the liftoff, Salis described the trip as a spiritual journey aimed at inspiring future generations.
“This mission is more than just a trip into space, it’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future generations,” he said.
Salis also expressed a desire for his feat to kindle curiosity and ambition in African youths regarding science, technology and space exploration.