Owolabi Salis, a Nigerian-born lawyer and philanthropist, has etched his name into history by becoming the first Nigerian to travel to space. Salis was among the crew of Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission, which successfully launched from West Texas on Sunday, June 29.
The suborbital flight, operated by Jeff Bezos’s space company Blue Origin, lasted approximately 10 minutes and soared to an altitude of 105.2 kilometers, crossing the Kármán line. This internationally recognized boundary marks the edge of space.
A Crew of Pioneers
Salis joined five other civilians on the flight:
- Carl Kuehner
- Jim Sitkin
- Leland Larson
- Freddie Rescigno Jr.
- Allie Kuehner
Together, they experienced a few moments of weightlessness, breathtaking views of Earth, and the thrill of space travel that only a select few have ever known.
“A Spiritual Journey”
Before liftoff, Salis described the mission as more than a scientific feat.
“This is a spiritual journey,” he said. “It’s about breaking barriers, redefining limits, and most importantly, inspiring the next generation of African thinkers, dreamers, and doers.”
A Life of Firsts
This spaceflight is not Salis’s first historic milestone. He previously became the first Black African to travel to both the Arctic and Antarctic within the same season, showcasing his relentless drive for exploration and global impact.
Known for his legal work, philanthropy, and advocacy for youth empowerment, Salis’s space mission represents a moment of pride for Nigeria and Africa, proving that boundaries are meant to be crossed, both on Earth and beyond.
