Namira Salim, Pakistan’s first female astronaut, is set to make history by embarking on a journey to space. Namira, based in Dubai, will begin her celestial expedition on October 5, courtesy of space tourism company Virgin Galactic Holdings. She secured the position of Astronaut No. 6 after being designated a seat by Virgin Galactic’s Founder Astronaut Richard Branson. This upcoming space voyage is a significant achievement for both Namira and Pakistan, highlighting the nation’s growing presence in space exploration.
Namira Salim has a remarkable track record of adventure and exploration. She was officially recognized as Pakistan’s first astronaut by the government in 2006 and served as an honorary ambassador of tourism for Pakistan in 2007. Namira has also been the first Pakistani to reach the North Pole in 2007, the South Pole in 2008, and skydive over Mount Everest in 2008. She received the ‘Tamgha-e-Imtiaz’ (Medal of Excellence) in 2011.
Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, praised Namira Salim’s upcoming journey to space as a symbol of Pakistan’s growing presence in space exploration and a significant achievement for the nation. Solangi conveyed congratulations and good wishes for her success on behalf of the Government of Pakistan and the people.
