According to Khaleej Times, Pakistan’s first female astronaut, Namira Salim, is preparing to go on a mission to space.
Namira, who raised Pakistan’s flag at the North Pole in 2007, will embark on her celestial journey on October 5.
Virgin Galactic Holdings, a space tourism firm, has announced that its Galactic 04 flight window will begin next month.
Namira has already been assigned the seat of Astronaut No. 6 by Virgin Galactic Founder Astronaut Richard Branson. Astronaut 019 will assist her on her first trip to orbit.
In 2006, the Pakistani government formally certified Namira as the country’s first astronaut. In 2007, she was also appointed as Pakistan’s honorary tourism ambassador.
In April 2007, Namira became the first Pakistani to reach the North Pole, and in January 2008, she became the first Pakistani to reach the South Pole.
Not only that, but Namira was the first Asian and the first Pakistani to skydive over Mount Everest in 2008. In 2011, she was awarded the ‘Tamgha-e-Imtiaz’ (Medal of Excellence).
Murtaza Solangi, the caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting, said Namira Salim’s planned trip to space was a sign of Pakistan’s expanding presence in space exploration and a big achievement for the country.
She updated the caretaker minister on her space voyage preparations, stating her intention to fly the Pakistani flag in space.
Solangi thanked Namira Saleem on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, and the people at the start of her space trip and wished her luck.
Solangi described Namira Saleem as a role model for all women and stated that the youthful generation may raise the name of Pakistan in the globe in a variety of disciplines.
“This effort by Namira Saleem will highlight the positive image of Pakistan as a peace-loving and progressive country,” he said.
