Amanze ChinonyeOwolabi Salis, a Nigerian-born lawyer and political figure based in the United States, has made history as the first Nigerian to travel into space, joining Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission alongside five other civilian astronauts.
The suborbital flight, launched by Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company Blue Origin, lifted off from West Texas on June 29, 2025, marking another milestone in the firm’s New Shepard programme, a private initiative designed to make space travel accessible to civilians.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSalis was part of a six-member crew that included Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin. The 10-minute journey took the passengers beyond the Kármán line, the internationally recognised boundary of space, reaching an altitude of 105.2 kilometres, according to Space in Africa.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Salis said the mission was far more than a personal achievement or a scientific milestone.
“This mission is more than just a trip into space, it’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future generations,” he said.
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He expressed hope that his voyage would encourage young Africans to dream big and explore opportunities in science, technology, and space exploration.
Born in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Salis is licensed to practise law in both Nigeria and the United States. He is also a chartered accountant and author of Equitocracy, a book advocating for equity-based governance across diverse societies.
A seasoned adventurer, Salis previously became the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in the same season, another feat underscoring his passion for pushing boundaries.
In Nigeria, he is a familiar name in politics, having contested the Lagos State governorship multiple times. He ran under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003 and 2007, the Action Party of Nigeria in 2007, and the Alliance for Democracy in 2019. Following the 2019 election, he legally challenged the victory of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, though the tribunal later dismissed his petition.
Salis’ journey into space now stands as a landmark moment not just for Nigeria, but for the African continent, symbolising the possibility of African participation in the global space race.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
