US-based lawyer and political figure Owolabi Salis has become the first Nigerian to voyage beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
US-based lawyer and political figure Owolabi Salis has made history as the first Nigerian to travel into space, flying aboard Blue Origin’s NS-33 suborbital mission on June 29, 2025. Launching from West Texas, the mission carried six private astronauts—including Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr, and Jim Sitkin—beyond the Kármán line, reaching an altitude of 105.2 kilometres.
During the brief 10-minute flight, Salis described the journey as life-changing. “This mission is more than just a trip into space, it’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future generations,” he said. A native of Ikorodu, Lagos, Salis is a chartered accountant, attorney, and published author. He expressed hope that his journey would ignite a renewed interest in science and exploration among African youth.
Salis previously drew global attention for being the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in a single season. His latest feat marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s space history.