ISLAMABAD: In a groundbreaking development, Namira Salim, Pakistan’s first female astronaut, is preparing for a remarkable journey into space, as reported by the Khaleej Times.
Residing in Dubai, Namira, who had previously raised Pakistan’s flag at the North Pole in 2007, is scheduled to commence her celestial expedition on October 5. Virgin Galactic Holdings, a space tourism company, has disclosed that their Galactic 04 flight window will open next month to facilitate her voyage.
Namira has secured the position of Astronaut No. 6, thanks to Founder Astronaut of Virgin Galactic, Richard Branson, who allocated her a seat. Her inaugural space journey will be assisted by Astronaut 019.
The Pakistani Government officially recognized Namira as the nation’s first astronaut in 2006, and she also served as an honorary tourism ambassador for Pakistan in 2007.
Namira Salim’s Remarkable Achievement
Namira boasts several other notable achievements, including being the first Pakistani to reach the North Pole in April 2007 and the South Pole in January 2008. She holds the distinction of being the first Asian and first Pakistani to skydive over Mount Everest in 2008 and received the ‘Tamgha-e-Imtiaz’ (Medal of Excellence) in 2011.
Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, praised Namira Salim’s impending space journey as a testament to Pakistan’s growing presence in space exploration and a significant national achievement.
During the meeting, Namira briefed the caretaker minister about her preparations for the space journey and expressed her determination to proudly raise the Pakistani flag in space.
نگران وفاقی وزیر اطلاعات مرتضیٰ سولنگی سے پاکستان کی پہلی خلا باز خاتون نمیرہ سلیم کی ملاقات
نمیرہ سلیم نے نگران وفاقی وزیر اطلاعات کو آئندہ ماہ 5 اکتوبر کو اپنے خلائی سفر پر روانگی سے متعلق تیاریوں سے آگاہ کیا
نمیرہ سلیم نے خلاءمیں پاکستانی پرچم بلند کرنے کے عزم کا اظہار کیا… pic.twitter.com/Fd6x5nqcE1
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) September 15, 2023
Solangi extended congratulations to Namira Saleem on behalf of the Government of Pakistan.
Describing Namira Saleem as a role model for women, Solangi emphasized that the younger generation has the potential to elevate Pakistan’s reputation globally across various fields.
He stated, “Namira Saleem’s endeavor will spotlight Pakistan as a peace-loving and progressive nation, fostering a positive image on the international stage.”
