Nigerian-born Chief Salis Lauded by NASRDA for Spaceflight

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has applauded Chief Owolabi Salis for his pioneering space mission, hailing his achievement as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s space journey and a symbol of the nation’s rising profile in global space exploration.

In a press release issued by Dr. Felix Ale, Director, Media and Corporate Communications of NASRDA, the agency described Salis’s mission as a landmark achievement.

“The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) congratulates Chief Owolabi Salis on his successful space flight. He becomes the first person of Nigerian birth to travel to space,” the statement read.

Chief Salis, who fully funded his space journey, was commended for demonstrating individual commitment to advancing Nigeria’s role in global science and technology.

NASRDA emphasised that “Chief Salis privately funded his space mission, demonstrating the deep interest of Nigerians to participate in scientific, exploratory, tourism and commercial space activities. His achievement highlights new opportunities for private sector engagement in space Programme.”

According to the agency, Salis’s milestone brings prestige and increased visibility to Nigeria’s space ambitions.

“This milestone brings significant international attention to Nigeria’s space Programme, capabilities, while positioning the nation among countries where citizens actively participate in space activities.”

The statement noted that Salis’s mission complements NASRDA’s ongoing efforts to democratize access to space. “Chief Salis’s successful mission represents one pathway for Nigerian space participation. His achievement complements NASRDA’s ongoing efforts to expand access to space exploration for Nigerian citizens.”

NASRDA disclosed that it was informed about Salis’s spaceflight prior to liftoff through a long-standing international partnership.

“NASRDA received notification of Chief Salis’s mission through our partner organisation, Space Research and Exploration Agency (SERA), prior to the flight. His success demonstrates the expanding opportunities now available to Nigerians in the space sector.”

While acknowledging Salis’s achievement, NASRDA also used the opportunity to reaffirm its ongoing collaborative spaceflight program with SERA, first announced in June 2024.

“However, it must be emphasised that the NASRDA-SERA collaborative mission, announced in June 2024, remains on course for an upcoming Blue Origin flight. This program represents a different pathway, providing opportunities for broader Nigerian participation through open competition.”

The agency elaborated on the design of the upcoming mission, stating that it will be inclusive and accessible to a wide range of Nigerians.

“Our collaborative mission will enable Nigerian citizens to participate in astronaut selection and contribute to the development of research proposals. Eligibility extends to all Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above through transparent, merit-based selection criteria.”

In a bid to ensure that the collaborative mission reflects national needs, NASRDA emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping research objectives.

“Research priorities for the NASRDA-SERA mission will also be determined through public input from Nigerian citizens. This approach ensures the mission addresses national priorities identified by Nigerian citizens.”

The statement also announced that “the application portal for the NASRDA-SERA program will open in the coming weeks. Detailed application procedures will be announced prior to the portal’s activation.”

NASRDA praised Chief Salis’s personal investment and commitment to the national space agenda.

“NASRDA celebrates Chief Salis’s contribution to raising awareness about space exploration opportunities for Nigerians. His private investment demonstrates the practical commitment of Nigerian citizens to advancing our national space participation.”

The agency concluded by acknowledging the broader implications of Salis’s success. “Chief Salis’s achievement marks a defining moment for Nigeria’s space ambitions. Nigeria now has both private citizens and government programs actively pursuing space exploration, positioning the nation as an active participant in the global space economy.”

For further inquiries about NASRDA’s initiatives or the collaborative mission with SERA, the agency encouraged the public to contact its Media and Corporate Communication Department.