US-based lawyer and political figure Owolabi Salis has become the first Nigerian to journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Salis was among six private astronauts aboard Blue Origin’s NS-33 suborbital mission, which launched from West Texas on June 29, 2025.
The mission soared past the Kármán line, widely recognized as the boundary of outer space, reaching an altitude of 105.2 kilometers above sea level. The 10-minute flight, part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard program, is a milestone in the democratization of space travel, allowing civilians to experience space without extensive astronaut training.
Salis described the mission as a spiritual journey and a source of inspiration for future generations, particularly encouraging African youth to pursue interests in science, technology, and space exploration.
A native of Ikorodu, Lagos State, Salis is a dual-qualified chartered accountant and attorney licensed in both Nigeria and the United States. He is also the author of Equitocracy, a political work advocating for justice and inclusivity.
Beyond space, Salis previously made history as the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in the same calendar season. Politically, he has been active in Lagos State, contesting for gubernatorial positions under various parties and challenging election results through legal means.
