Space Cadet

The first Pakistani to have reached the North and South Poles, Namira Salim is a founder astronaut of Virgin Galactic and chair of non-profit initiative Space Trust, which advocates space as the new frontier for peace. She talks Zero G summits, setting wo

Tell us how the Virgin Galactic preparations for its suborbital flights are going

We recently had an amazing dinner with all the luminaries from Virgin Galactic. The staff who were working in Mojave have now moved to [site of the world’s first purpose-built spaceport] in New Mexico, and there’s a lot of things going on there, with a lounge, and mission control area already in place. Virgin has created a whole experience, not only for people going to space but also those people waiting for them.

Trying on my space suit was really exciting, and they’ve given us a diet and fitness programme. I was determined to become an astronaut from when I was a kid. I don’t know when I’ll make my suborbital spaceflight, but commercial operations are set to begin next year.

You were the first Pakistani to have reached the North Pole in 2007 and South Pole in 2008. What were some of the biggest challenges you had to overcome in doing so?

I was invited by Richard to be part of the launch, and when he introduced me to the world press, the government of Pakistan introduced me as the first Pakistani astronaut.

I decided to go to the North Pole and went with a peace flag, and then discovered I could be the first Pakistani to visit the South Pole, too. I met these amazing people, who then inspired me to climb Everest. But then another fellow astronaut mentioned about this historic skydive, so I signed up for that and became the first Asian to skydive over Everest.

These are big achievements. How did you handle it?

There had been a plane crash just before we went to Everest, so it was a very tense time, and then there was the financial crisis. But I stuck it out and did it, and it was really fun. The most spiritual moment came when I was trekking in the Himalayas. It was tough after the crash, but my faith saw me through. I did pray a lot, but I wasn’t frightened. I had to go through with it. My Mum kept calling me up, urging me not to do the skydive, but I thought if something happens, it happens.

Tell us what’s happening with your non-profit Space Trust at the moment

I was in Washington DC for the International Astronautical Congress last October. With Space Trust, we’re looking at how space can become a frontier for peace on Earth and also the privatisation of space. We’d like to arrange Zero G summits, and take politicians up to space, as we believe governments and world leaders can benefit from that [sense of perspective]. We’re going to develop a satellite to send peace messages to space and get the UN involved.

You recently released a single, Follow me to the Moon. Was that a process you enjoyed?

Definitely, and it was the right moment to explore it, with the 50th anniversary of the moon landing last year. The song is tribute to Apollo 11, but it’s also looking at the new space age – going to the moon again and Mars exploration.

I was the only Pakistani to congratulate India for their exploration of space. I’m a strong believer that borders can dissolve in space.

What inspired your passion for space and stargazing?

As a child, I my father introduced me to the constellations, and I bought [British astronomer] Patrick Moore’s Guide to the Stars. I used to spend a lot of time stargazing, and never lost sight of that as I entered adulthood. We used to go stargazing in Long Island, then at university in Colombia. I’ve even designed a line of jewellery inspired by the constellations, which is just about to launch in Beverly Hills.

What other expeditions, or journeys, would you like to make?

I’d like to perhaps do a round the world trip in a way that hasn’t been done before, and break another record. As for space, I think NASA needs to open space to developing countries, as women from my part of the world don’t tend to have these opportunities. Space is becoming more international, and opportunities should be provided to smaller countries. I’m not suggesting NASA send me, but I’d love to do an earth orbit.

How do you hope to inspire others?

I hope my story will encourage women to break barriers and promote peace. Now world leaders have the chance to go to space and see the world in a different way, just like astronauts have for the past 50 years. namirasalim.com