Owolabi Salis Describes Space Journey as Spiritual Quest Beyond Science

Owolabi Salis, a lawyer, financial consultant, and spiritual thinker, has become the first Nigerian to journey into space, participating in Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission.

In a recent interview, Salis shared insights into what inspired his trip, the cost, and the profound revelations he encountered during the voyage. He emphasized that the mission was more spiritual than scientific, describing Earth as “Planet 3,” suspended in space by a sunbeam and spinning rapidly — a mystery he believes holds divine significance.

Driven by a desire to explore the soul’s origin and purpose, Salis said he reached out to Blue Origin to express his interest in researching spiritualism beyond Earth. After paying an estimated $2 million and completing intensive training, he received clearance from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to join the mission.

Although originally scheduled for June 21, the flight was delayed due to high winds and later launched successfully on June 29. Despite the known risks, Salis said he was fearless, grounded by his spiritual beliefs.

During the brief suborbital flight, Salis experienced about three minutes of weightlessness. He described floating like a bird and being mesmerized by the sight of Earth suspended in the vast darkness of space. The view, he said, deepened his belief in a higher power beyond religious doctrine.

“From what I saw, the Almighty Lord of the Universe is not the same as what some religious books are telling us,” Salis remarked.

A seasoned traveler, Salis has visited more than 120 countries, including journeys to the North and South Poles, which he regards as spiritual pilgrimages. His next goal is to explore remote volcanic islands by boat, drawn by their natural formation and isolation.

Though now retired, Salis funds his explorations through savings and his previous career as a prominent civil rights lawyer in New York. He has also run multiple times for the governorship of Lagos State, saying he holds no regrets about those unsuccessful bids.

Calling for political reforms in Nigeria, Salis urged a shift from what he termed “assisted personality politics” to a more inclusive system he calls “equitocracy.” He also advocated for the implementation of local policing to strengthen grassroots governance and security.

Looking ahead, Salis believes space travel will become more accessible and revealed that he has already begun recommending other Nigerians for future missions with Blue Origin.