U.S.-based lawyer and politician, Chief Owolabi Salis, is set to make history as the first Nigerian to journey into space under the Blue Origin space exploration programme.
Salis, who is also the spiritual leader of Soul Makers Ministry Worldwide, is currently undergoing rigorous preparatory training in a desert camp along with fellow astronauts.
The spaceflight, scheduled for June 21, will be launched under the auspices of Blue Origin, the private aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos.
The mission, officially code-named N-33, will include a diverse team of astronauts engaged in final-stage training to acclimate to the unique conditions of space travel.
“This training is essential for preparing us mentally and physically for the extraordinary experience ahead,” said Salis.
“For me, spiritual research is just that subject that irresistibly tickles my fancy,” he added, hinting at his personal interest in exploring the metaphysical implications of space beyond the physical frontiers.
Blue Origin has unveiled a symbolic mission patch for the N-33 expedition.
Each symbol on the patch is linked to the crew capsule by a thin green line, representing each astronaut’s personal motivation and identity.
The design also includes two green rings encircling the Earth—one representing the horizon, the other the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space.
A press release from Blue Origin confirmed that the launch window opens at 8:30 a.m. CDT / 13:30 UTC, with a live webcast of the mission set to begin 30 minutes before takeoff on Blue Origin’s official platforms.
The public is encouraged to witness the historic moment live online.
Chief Owolabi Salis’s participation marks a major milestone for Nigeria in global space history, positioning him not only as a pioneer but also as a symbol of the country’s emerging footprint in advanced scientific exploration.
