FG celebrates Salis on historic space mission

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has extended its congratulations to Chief Owolabi Salis on becoming the first person of Nigerian birth to travel to space, celebrating the achievement as a landmark milestone in Nigeria’s space journey.

In a statement released on Tuesday, NASRDA’s Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Felix Ale, described Chief Salis’s spaceflight as a privately funded venture, reflecting the growing enthusiasm of Nigerians to engage in global scientific, exploratory, tourism, and commercial space initiatives.

“This achievement highlights new opportunities for private sector engagement in Nigeria’s space programme and shines international attention on the nation’s growing capabilities,” Dr. Ale stated.

According to the agency, Chief Salis’s successful mission into space showcases one of many emerging pathways for Nigerian involvement in space exploration. It complements NASRDA’s broader efforts to expand citizen access to space science and technology.

Dr. Ale revealed that NASRDA was officially informed about the mission in advance through its partner organisation, the Space Research and Exploration Agency (SERA).

“His success demonstrates the expanding opportunities now available to Nigerians in the space sector,” Ale affirmed.

NASRDA-SERA Mission Still On Track

While commending Chief Salis’s privately financed achievement, NASRDA clarified that its collaborative mission with SERA, announced in June 2024, remains on course. The upcoming flight aboard Blue Origin is designed to promote public access to space—a strategic difference from the privately sponsored model.

The NASRDA-SERA programme will involve:

• A merit-based selection process for Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above.

• Astronaut training opportunities and hands-on participation in research development.

• Public input on research topics to be explored during the mission.

“The application portal for the NASRDA-SERA mission will open in the coming weeks, and the detailed application process will be made public,” Ale announced.

A Landmark for Private and Public Space Ambitions

The agency commended Chief Salis for raising public awareness about space exploration and recognized his personal investment as a symbol of patriotic commitment to advancing Nigeria’s space capabilities.

“His achievement marks a defining moment. Nigeria now has both private citizens and government-led efforts actively pushing the frontiers of space exploration,” Ale concluded.

Chief Owolabi Salis’s historic journey not only carves a personal legacy but also signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s unfolding presence in global space innovation.