History Made: Chief Owolabi Salis Becomes First Nigerian to Go to Space
Chief Owolabi Salis has officially made history as the first Nigerian to travel to space, flying aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-33 mission. This great achievement has attracted accolades and commendations from Nigerians who believe stories like this are a reminder that Nigeria is home to talents who keep breaking boundaries.
The Blue Origin NS-33
Blue Origin, the private aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, launched its 13th human spaceflight, known as NS-33, from its site in West Texas. Six passengers, including Salis, soared past the Kármán line, which is the 100-kilometer boundary that marks the edge of space.
The suborbital flight lasted about ten minutes from liftoff to landing. The crew capsule reached an altitude of around 105 kilometers, giving the passengers a few minutes of weightlessness before returning safely to Earth. With this mission, 123 people have now flown on suborbital trips like this, according to the Association of Space Explorers.
Who is Chief Owolabi Salis?
Born in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Salis holds dual law licenses, practising in both Nigeria and the United States. He is more than a lawyer, he’s an author, politician, and adventurer with a passion for breaking barriers. His book, Equitocracy, lays out his vision for governance built on fairness and equity in diverse societies, ideas he hopes can inspire change in Nigeria and beyond.
Salis has never shied away from exploration. Years before this flight, he made headlines as the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic within the same season, a feat that reflects his personal drive to push beyond limits.
Chief Owolabi’s Journey into Nigerian Politics
Many in Nigeria also know Salis for his determined political pursuits. He contested for the Lagos State governorship multiple times, under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003 and 2007, the Action Party of Nigeria in 2007, and the Alliance for Democracy in 2019. After the 2019 election, Salis challenged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s victory in court, though the tribunal dismissed his petition. Despite setbacks, he remains vocal about community development, youth empowerment, and leadership rooted in transparency.
The NS-33 Diverse Crew
Salis didn’t fly alone. The NS-33 crew, who dubbed themselves “The Solstice 33,” included Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin. Together, they trained for weeks at Blue Origin’s facilities, learning safety procedures and what to expect during the intense but brief weightless moments.
After the capsule touched down, Salis emerged smiling, waving a small Nigerian flag he carried to mark the occasion.
Blue Origin Breaking Flight Boundaries
Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket is fully reusable. The system’s design helps keep costs down and demonstrates how private companies are making short trips to space accessible to everyday citizens, not just professional astronauts.
The company has flown more than 100 passengers safely since its first human flight in 2021. Each mission adds more people to the growing list of “citizen astronauts” . Chief Owolabi’s feat is a reminder that young Africans can dream big in science, technology, engineering, and space exploration, even when they’re from a different academic background.
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