Owolabi Salis has become the first Nigerian to reach space, flying aboard Blue Origin’s NS-33.
His journey aims to inspire Africa’s youth and spotlight Nigeria in global space exploration.
Nigerian-born lawyer, accountant, and politician, Owolabi Salis, has made history by becoming the first Nigerian to travel to space. He was among six passengers aboard Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission, a private suborbital flight that launched from West Texas on June 29, 2025.
The flight, part of Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin space venture under the New Shepard program, lasted around 10 minutes and crossed the Kármán line the boundary 100 kilometers above sea level that marks the edge of space. The capsule reached an altitude of 105.2 kilometers, briefly giving the crew a view of Earth from space and a taste of weightlessness.
Salis was joined on the mission by fellow citizen astronauts Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin. Together, they form the latest group of non-professional astronauts to venture into space through commercial flight, a growing sector in the aerospace industry.
Speaking before takeoff, Salis described the experience as deeply personal and symbolic. “This mission is more than just a trip into space it’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future generations,” he said. He expressed hope that his participation would help ignite a passion for space science and technology across Africa, especially among young people.
Born in Ikorodu, Lagos, Salis is known for his diverse accomplishments. He is a chartered accountant and a licensed attorney in both Nigeria and the United States. Over the years, he has remained a prominent voice for justice, governance reform, and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
He also has a reputation for bold exploration. In a previous feat, Salis became the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in the same season an unusual and challenging travel milestone that highlighted his adventurous streak.
In politics, Salis has been a familiar figure in Lagos State for over two decades. He contested the governorship under different political platforms, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003 and 2007, and the Action Party of Nigeria in 2007. Most recently, he ran under the Alliance for Democracy in the 2019 elections. Although he challenged the outcome of that race in court, the tribunal upheld the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
His recent space journey adds a new dimension to his already multifaceted career and places him among a small group of global citizens who have reached space without being career astronauts. The Blue Origin mission is part of a new era of space travel, one driven by private companies and focused on giving civilians the opportunity to experience spaceflight.
Salis’ milestone also represents a proud moment for Nigeria. While the country has participated in satellite technology and earth observation through its space agency, this marks the first time a Nigerian has physically ventured beyond Earth’s atmosphere. His success is expected to inspire discussions on Nigeria’s future role in space exploration and scientific innovation.
Observers believe that Salis’ experience could help spark renewed interest in STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in Nigeria, potentially motivating government and private institutions to invest more in innovation and technology.
Now back on Earth, Salis says the journey was not just about personal achievement. “I want African youth to believe that anything is possible. We must stop waiting and start leading in science and exploration,” he said.
From Lagos to the edge of space, Owolabi Salis has proven that the sky is no longer the limit it’s just the beginning.
