US-based Lawyer Makes History As First Nigerian In Space

A Nigerian lawyer based in the United States, Chief Owolabi Salis, has made history as the first Nigerian to travel beyond the Kármán line into space.

Salis was one of six passengers on Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission to travel to space above the Karman line, the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space, located at an altitude of 100 kilometres (62 miles) above sea level.

The indigene of Lagos State joined fellow crew members Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr and Jim Sitkin on the historic space adventure.

The suborbital flight, operated by Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company, Blue Origin, lasted 10 minutes and reached a peak altitude of 105.2 kilometres, crossing the Kármán line, the internationally recognised boundary of space.

The Blue Origin spacecraft, which carried the historic astronauts, touched down at an exotic space village in Western Texas.

The crew was welcomed back with warm embraces from friends, family and well-wishers, accompanied by hugs, kisses and giggles.

Salis, the only Black astronaut among the crew, born in Ikorodu, Lagos, is a chartered accountant and attorney licensed to practice in Nigeria and the United States.

Salis is a notable figure in Nigerian politics, having run in multiple elections, including as the Alliance for Democracy’s gubernatorial candidate in Lagos in 2019.

In a press statement he released before the trip, the lawyer had expressed excitement over the prospect of participating in the historic space adventure.

He said, “This is not just an adventure but an adventure of all adventures. Beyond the fun, I look forward to this epic journey with a joyous trepidation to behold the mysteries of the universe in its breathtaking grandeur and immensity.

“It is a means to appreciate the limitless omnipotence of the Supreme Creator of all things; to fear Him and be closer to Him than ever.

“Therefore, I consider this upcoming experience more significant than anything else, as it promises to open a vista of spiritual awakening, making me more sober and nearer to the Soul Maker, the Creator of life,” the lawyer had stated.