Namira Salim, the first Pakistani astronaut, has been granted a scholarship by Borderless Labs Inc. (BLINC) to pursue her career as an orbital scientist astronaut and further space exploration.
“Namira Salim will be starting an ambitious journey and training at prestigious US institutions, such as the International Institute of Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), through a partnership with Borderless Labs Inc. (BLINC).” stated Mac Malkawi, BLINC’s founder, CEO, and president.
Namira Salim, who will also receive training for Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA or spacewalks), stated, “I will undergo rigorous training as a scientist Astronaut, designed to prepare me for future private orbital missions around Earth and beyond, as they become available, at the advent of commercialization of space, which makes the final frontier Accessible to All.”
Namira Salim is a Pakistani artist and polar explorer who made history on October 6, 2023, when she joined Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic as the first-ever astronaut from her country.
During the First Everest Skydive 2008, Namira Salim became the first Asian and Pakistani person to reach both the North and South Poles. She was also the first person to skydive (tandem) Mount Everest.
Namira has made contributions that transcend beyond her arctic exploration and space travel.
Through her nonprofit organization, Space Trust, she also advocates for space diplomacy and supports STEM/STEAM education as a means of enhancing capacity building in poor nations.
“My next training will excite space enthusiasts and prepare future Astronauts for private space missions, especially from South Asia and Pakistan,” stated Namira Salim.
According to Mac Malkawi, Namira Salim is an inspiration for leaders of the space age to push the limits of human spaceflight not only in Pakistan but also in emerging and new space nations.
“Through the collaboration between BLINC and Space Trust, her steadfast dedication to human space exploration will enable future Pakistani astronauts to reach space,” he continued.
Through financing, media, and inclusion, Borderless Labs Inc. (BLINC) is bridging the gap in bringing STEAM and space fields to untapped populations.
