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By Chinenye Anuforo
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has lauded Chief Owolabi Salis on his successful space flight. He becomes the first person of Nigerian birth to travel to space.
Salis privately funded his space mission, demonstrating the deep interest of Nigerians to participate in scientific, exploratory, tourism and commercial space activities.
In a statement made available to Daily Sun, the agency acknowledged his achievement highlights new opportunities for private sector engagement in the space programme and complements NASRDA’s ongoing efforts to expand access to space exploration for Nigerian citizens.
“NASRDA received notification of Chief Salis’s mission through its partner organisation, Space Research and Exploration Agency (SERA), prior to the flight. His success demonstrated the expanding opportunities available to Nigerians in the space sector.”
“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.
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.
“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.” noted Dr. Felix Ale, Director Media and Corporate Communications, NASRDA.
The Agency said 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.
Ale said 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. Salis’s achievement marks a defining moment for Nigeria’s space ambitions”, he stated.
