It’s another historic feat in space exploration.
According to a press release, Blue Origin — an American space exploration company founded by Jeff Bezos — completed its 13th human spaceflight as part of the New Shepard program, bringing the total number of people it has sent to space to 70. This is after an historic, all-women-led crew, including journalist Gayle King, pop star Katy Perry, and former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe launched in April, as AFROTECH™ previously told you.
“I’m honored to be part of Blue Origin’s first all-female flight team and this historic moment in space exploration and human potential,” Bowe expressed at the time in a news release. “This mission is about redefining what’s possible and showing young people, especially girls, that they belong in every field.”
Now, a new historic feat has been reached through Blue Origin. On June 29, its 13th human spaceflight, NS-33 crew, included Owolabi Salis, a Nigerian-born attorney and financial consultant who is an advocate for diversity and equity.
“As I floated in zero gravity, gazing upon the planet mysteriously suspended in space, I felt drawn closer than ever before to the Almighty,” he expressed to the outlet. “The journey was both a scientific adventure and a spiritual pilgrimage.”
Salis was joined by a crew that included Allie Kuehner and her husband, Carl; Leland Larson; Freddie Rescigno Jr.; and Jim Sitkin.
“One thing this crew shares in common is an appreciation of our planet’s beauty and the need to preserve it for future generations,” said Audrey Powers, VP, mission and flight operations, in a press release. “Thank you to our customers for entrusting us to provide this life-changing view. I look forward to seeing how you transform this experience into action.”
