A new chapter has been written in Nigeria’s space history as Owolabi Salis, a U.S.-based lawyer and politician, became the first Nigerian to travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Salis was one of six crew members aboard Blue Origin’s NS-33 suborbital mission, which launched successfully from West Texas on Sunday. The flight, operated by Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company, reached an altitude of 105.2 kilometers — crossing the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space — and lasted roughly 10 minutes.
Among the other participants on the mission were Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Salis described the mission as more than just a personal milestone. “This mission is more than just a trip into space, it’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future generations,” he said.
He expressed hope that his journey would spark greater interest in space exploration across Africa, particularly among young people.
Born in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Salis is a chartered accountant and an attorney licensed to practice in both Nigeria and the United States. He is also the author of Equitocracy, a political theory book that promotes justice, equity, and good governance in democratic societies.
Salis is no stranger to historic feats. He previously became the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in the same season. In addition to his adventurous accomplishments, he remains a familiar name in Nigerian politics, having contested several elections, including the 2019 Lagos State governorship race under the Alliance for Democracy.
His voyage into space marks a major symbolic moment for Nigeria and the broader African continent, signaling new possibilities for African participation in global space initiatives.