Wikipedia has officially recognised U.S.-based Nigerian lawyer and finance expert, Chief Owolabi Salis, as the first Nigerian to travel to outer space, following confirmation by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).
The FAI, the global body responsible for certifying aviation and spaceflight records, defines space travel as any flight exceeding 100 kilometres (62 miles) above sea level. Individuals who cross this threshold are awarded Astronaut Wings.
Salis earned his place on the exclusive list after participating in Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission on June 29, 2025. The spacecraft, launched from West Texas, reached an altitude of approximately 105 km, crossing the internationally recognised Kármán Line. He was listed as number 702 among all officially acknowledged space travellers in history — a group that includes just over 720 individuals.
In his reaction, Salis described the recognition as “immensely gladdening,” noting that out of the estimated 117 billion people who have lived on Earth over five billion years, only a handful have ventured into space.
The NS-33 crew included Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin. Salis, who is also the founder of Soul Makers Ministry Worldwide, described the mission as “spiritually rewarding.”
Plans are underway for a monument in Salis’ honour, spearheaded by renowned U.S. sculptor Steve N. Barber. The monument, expected to last over 1,000 years, will feature inspirational inscriptions and is scheduled for unveiling on July 4, 2026 in the United States before being transported to Salis’ birthplace in Nigeria.
Barber expressed hope that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Jeff Bezos, or corporate organisations would support the project, describing Salis’ achievement as a milestone that elevated Nigeria’s profile in global space exploration.
