Chief Owolabi Salis Becomes First Nigerian in Space on Blue Origin Flight

June 29, 2025
|In News
|By Mustapha Iderawumi
Budget Report
The NS-33 crew. Left to right: Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Jim Sitkin, Freddie Rescigno, Jr., Leland Larson, and Owolabi Salis. Source: Blue Origin

Blue Origin today successfully launched its 13th human spaceflight, the NS-33 mission, marking another milestone in commercial space travel. The flight, which carried six passengers, including Chief Owolabi Salis, the first Nigerian, soared past the Kármán line (100 km / 62 miles) to reach an apogee of 105.2 km (345,044 feet), offering the crew a breathtaking view of Earth and a life-changing experience of weightlessness.  

A Blue Origin New Shepard launch vehicle lifts off on a suborbital flight from the company’s West Texas site on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Source: Blue Origin

Mission Highlights 

  1. Historic Achievement: Salis, a U.S.-based Nigerian lawyer, politician, and spiritual leader, became the first Nigerian to journey into space, inspiring a wave of pride across Africa.  
  2. Diverse Crew: The six passengers, who dubbed themselves “The Solstice 33” (after their original June 21 launch target), included Allie and Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin.  
  3. Flawless Flight: The 10-minute suborbital mission saw the RSS Kármán Line crew capsule and Tail 5 propulsion module complete a safe return, landing near the launch site in West Texas.  
  4. Global Impact: With this flight, 123 people have now flown on suborbital missions, as tracked by the Association of Space Explorers.  

Check here to rewatch the full flight replay. 

Blue Origin’s NS-33 crew in a mockup of the New Shepard capsule. From left to right: Leland Larson, Owolabi Salis, Freddie Rescigno, Jr., James Sitkin, Carl Kuehner and Allie Kuehner. Source: Blue Origin
The Blue Origin New Shepard crew capsule “RSS Kármán Line” is seen descending back to Earth with the NS-33 crew, approaching a touchdown near the pad where its launch booster landed in West Texas. Source: Blue Origin

A Historic First for Nigeria

Hailing from Ikorodu, Lagos, Salis described his journey as a “convergence of science and spirit.”

“This mission is more than just a trip into space, it’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future generations,” he said before liftoff. A champion of community development and youth empowerment, Salis hopes his historic flight will ignite interest in space exploration across Africa.  

Furthermore, Salis’ flight marks a key moment for Nigeria and Africa, demonstrating growing participation in space endeavours. His safe return sparked celebrations in Nigeria, with many hailing him as a national hero.  

The NS-33 mission patch featured green rings symbolising Earth’s horizon and the Kármán line, reflecting humanity’s quest to push boundaries. Blue Origin’s New Shepard programme continues to advance private spaceflight, offering research opportunities and citizen astronaut experiences. With 33 successful flights, the company remains a leader in reusable rocket technology and commercial space tourism. As interest in space grows across Africa, Salis’ journey may pave the way for more Africans, ushering in a new chapter of global inclusivity in space exploration.  

Blue Origin Completes NS-33 Mission