US-based lawyer and politician Owolabi Salis makes history as the first Nigerian to travel to space aboard Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission, marking a milestone for Africa in space exploration.
A US-based Nigerian lawyer and politician, Owolabi Salis, has etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Nigerian to travel to space. Salis, originally from Ikorodu, Lagos, participated in Blue Origin’s NS-33 space mission, which launched successfully on Sunday from West Texas, USA.
The historic suborbital flight, operated by Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company, Blue Origin, lasted approximately 10 minutes and reached an altitude of 105.2 kilometres, crossing the Kármán line—the internationally recognised boundary of space.
Salis flew alongside five other crew members: Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin.
“This mission is more than just a trip into space,” Salis said ahead of the launch. “It’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future
generations.”
In line with his vision, Salis expressed hope that his journey would spark greater interest in science, technology, and space exploration across Africa.
A man of many accomplishments, Owolabi Salis is a chartered accountant and licensed attorney, qualified to practise in both Nigeria and the United States. He is also a published author, best known for Equitocracy, a book that champions fairness and equity in democratic systems.
Beyond space, Salis previously made headlines as the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in the same season—a feat that showcases his adventurous spirit and commitment to pushing boundaries.
He is no stranger to the Nigerian political landscape, having contested several elections, including running as the governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy in Lagos in 2019.
This latest achievement not only places Salis in an elite group of space travellers but also marks a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa at large, proving that Africans can be pioneers in cutting-edge global industries.
