Owolabi Salis, a US-based Nigerian lawyer, completed a milestone space mission on June 29, 2025. He became the first Nigerian national to reach space as a passenger aboard Blue Origin’s NS‑33 flight. The suborbital mission lifted off from West Texas and reached a peak altitude of 105.2 kilometres, well past the internationally recognized Kármán line. Salis joined a crew of six—Allie and Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin—for a transformative 10-minute mission into space and back.
A Spiritual and Scientific Journey
Ahead of liftoff, Salis spoke passionately about the mission. “This is more than just a trip into space, it’s a spiritual journey—a call to inspire future generations,” he stated. His words captured the crossover between science, exploration, and his personal drive to motivate African youth.
After the spacecraft hovered above Earth, the crew experienced weightlessness and saw the planet’s curvature. The capsule, named RSS Kármán Line, returned safely to the West Texas desert, marking another successful flight in Blue Origin’s reusable rocket program.
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Who Is Owolabi Salis?
Born in Ikorodu, Lagos, Owolabi Salis built an impressive career in both accounting and law. He holds a chartered accountant designation and dual legal licenses in Nigeria and the US. His public service credentials include multiple bids for the Lagos State governorship and advocacy for minority rights and equity.
Beyond law and politics, Salis is a published author and spiritual leader. His book Equitocracy advocates for fair governance, while his ministry, The Soul Maker Ministry, reflects his belief in universal unity. He previously became the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in a single season, showcasing his adventurous spirit long before reaching space.
Nigeria Celebrates a Space Pioneer
News of Salis’s landmark space mission swept across Nigeria, prompting congratulations from government officials, lawmakers, fellow lawyers, and civic leaders. National and diaspora media hailed him as a trailblazer—someone whose achievements span continents, professions, and now, outer space.
His successful mission is expected to spark enthusiasm and investment in African science and aerospace education. Students, aspiring engineers, and innovators now see a Nigerian who literally rose beyond borders to inspire them.
What the Flight Represents for Africa
Salis’s achievement holds broader significance. He becomes part of the growing New Shepard citizen-astronaut cohort that has now surpassed 120 suborbital flights. His presence aboard NS‑33 underscores the potential of private spaceflight as an avenue for international citizens—not just professional astronauts.
For Africa, his flight symbolizes emerging opportunities in STEM fields. It reinforces the idea that African talent can thrive at the highest global frontiers, urging governments and institutions to nurture space science, technology, and exploration on the continent.
A New Era of Inspiration
Owolabi Salis’s journey—spanning ice caps, courtrooms, and now space—embodies audacious ambition. He has proven that a Nigerian can venture beyond gravity’s pull, and in doing so, he expands the realm of what is possible for future generations.
By showcasing the power of vision, persistence, and faith, Salis invites every Nigerian to imagine bigger horizons. His story is not just his own—it’s Africa’s next frontier.
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Mission Summary
- Flight: Blue Origin NS‑33
- Date: June 29, 2025
- Peak Altitude: 105.2 km (suborbital)
- Crew: 6 (including Salis)
- Capsule: RSS Kármán Line
- Duration: ~10 minutes
What’s Next?
Salis hopes his mission fuels deeper engagement with space science across Africa. He plans outreach programs, speaking engagements, and collaborations aimed at empowering young people to explore STEM careers. For now, he returns home with a historic title: Nigeria’s first national in space.