ISLAMABAD: Borderless Labs Inc (BLINC) awarded Pakistan’s first female astronaut Namira Salim with an Orbital Scientist Astronaut Training Scholarship to further her journey in space exploration. “Thanks to the partnership with Borderless Labs Inc. (BLINC), Namira Salim will embark on an ambitious journey and train at esteemed American institutions, including the International Institute of Astronautical Sciences (IIAS). said Mac Malkawi, Founder, CEO and President of BLIN.
“I will undergo rigorous training as a scientific astronaut to prepare me for future private orbital missions around and beyond Earth as they become available, with the advent of commercialization of space, making the final frontier accessible to all,” he said. Namira Salim, who will also be trained for extra-vehicular activity (EVA or spacewalks) and survival in lunar and Martian gravity.
According to a press release, Namira Salim is a Pakistani polar explorer and artist known for becoming Pakistan’s first female astronaut and a pioneer astronaut with Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic on October 6, 2023. Namira Salim is the first Pakistani woman to reach both the North and South Poles and also the first Asian to skydive (tandem) Mount Everest during the First Everest Skydive 2008. Namira’s contributions extend beyond her spaceflight and polar exploits. He is also an advocate for space diplomacy through his non-profit organization Space Trust and promotes STEM/STEAM education for capacity building in developing countries.
“My upcoming training will inspire space enthusiasts and propel future astronauts on private missions, especially from Pakistan and South Asia,” said Namira Salim. “Namira Salim is a role model for space generation leaders who are pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight not only in Pakistan but also in developing and emerging space nations,” said Mac Malkawi.
“Her unwavering commitment to human space exploration will propel future Pakistani astronauts into space through the partnership between BLIN and the Space Trust,” he added. Borderless Labs Inc (BLINC) is bridging the gap in bringing the Space and STEAM fields to untapped markets through investment, media and inclusion. For more information and partnership opportunities, please contact: Mac Malkawi, Founder CEO and President of Borderless Labs Inc (BLinc).
