Last Updated on August 8, 2023, 5:23 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Antigua and Barbuda based Anastatia Mayers and her mother Keisha Schahaff are set to become the first mother and daughter to go to space. Mayers is currently a student in the Aberdeen University of Scotland. The feat is most remarkable for the duo of mother and daughter. The pair will also be the first people from the Caribbean to journey like this. The mother-daughter are among the first people to board a commercial spaceflight.
The reports suggest that Antigua and Barbuda based mother and daughter will take off from New Mexico on Thursday. When she entered the competition, the mother, Keisha, travelled to the UK to sort out her Anastasia visa. The mission, named Galactic 02, is the second commercial spaceflight conducted by the American space company. This spaceflight is the first with paying customers onboard.
The first edition of the space flight, Galactic 01 mission took place in June. At the time of the initial expedition, the flight reached an altitude of about 279,000ft (85km). The second mission will also likely attempt the same path.
Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda based Anastasia, who will be the second youngest person to go to space. The young student spoke of the impending experience during a small media interaction. Notably, she hopes she can use the occasion to inspire others. She claimed that such an opportunity would be important to her. She expressed that she hopes people are watching and supporting her.
She told the media that she intends to break any barriers we set for ourselves or the world sets for us. Meanwhile, she expressed she wants people to know that it doesn’t matter where you come from, who you are – anything – your dream is your dream and you can make that happen, despite what anyone else says.”
Meanwhile, her mother, Keisha adds: “For me and my daughter together, it’s more than a dream come true. She further expressed her excitement on taking up this experience with her daughter. They are the first pair from the caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbuda to take up this adventure.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
