US-based lawyer and political figure, Owolabi Salis, has made history by becoming the first Nigerian to travel into space, marking a significant milestone for the country and the African continent.
Salis was one of six private passengers aboard Blue Origin’s NS-33 suborbital mission, which launched from West Texas on June 29, 2025. The spacecraft briefly travelled beyond Earth’s atmosphere before returning safely to the ground. Other passengers on the mission included Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr and Jim Sitkin.
According to Space in Africa, the spacecraft crossed the Kármán line, the internationally recognised boundary of outer space, reaching a peak altitude of 105.2 kilometres above sea level. The entire flight lasted about 10 minutes and was conducted under Blue Origin’s New Shepard programme, a civilian spaceflight initiative founded by Amazon owner Jeff Bezos.
The mission highlights the growing accessibility of space travel, allowing private citizens to experience spaceflight without the extensive training traditionally required of professional astronauts.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Salis described the journey as deeply meaningful, saying it was more than a physical experience. He explained that the mission represented a spiritual journey aimed at inspiring future generations, particularly African youths, to develop interest in science, technology and space exploration.
A native of Ikorodu in Lagos State, Salis is a chartered accountant and a lawyer licensed to practise in both Nigeria and the United States. He is also the author of Equitocracy, a political book that promotes an egalitarian system rooted in justice and inclusivity.
Beyond space travel, Salis previously became the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic within the same season. He has also remained active in Lagos politics, having contested the governorship on multiple party platforms over the years.
