Anastatia Mayers, an 18-year-old student studying at Aberdeen University in Scotland, and her mother Keisha Schahaff have been selected to participate in Virgin Galactic’s second commercial flight, securing their spots through a fortuitous prize draw.
In addition to their groundbreaking journey, Anastatia and Keisha will etch their names in history as the first individuals from the Caribbean to embark on this celestial adventure.
Departing from New Mexico later this week on 10 August, a voyage of a lifetime awaits the second-year philosophy and physics student and her mom.
🌟 Galactic Spotlight: Anastatia Mayers, Astronaut 013.
Ana is an insatiably curious college student and aspiring astrobiologist who thought space was just a distant dream. That was until her mother Keisha surprised her with spectacular news — they would fly together aboard… pic.twitter.com/REe6835hpe
— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) July 28, 2023
How a mom & daughter secured their tickets on a space voyage…
The incredible story of how they secured their places on the spacecraft is nothing short of serendipitous.
Keisha Schahaff was en route to the UK to assist her daughter with her visa process when fate intervened.
During a Virgin Atlantic flight from Antigua to London, an advertisement for a sweepstake caught her eye.
Keisha decided to try her luck, not knowing how this seemingly innocuous decision would change their lives forever.
Months later, amidst anticipation, excitement, and disbelief, the unexpected happened. Richard Branson himself, accompanied by the Virgin Galactic team, arrived at Keisha’s doorstep with astounding news – they were the winners, bound for space.
Space knows no boundaries, and neither should the opportunity to explore it. Before earning her college diploma, Anastatia will fly on #Galactic02 and show how curiosity is the single most important qualification you need to be a part of the next era of space travel.
Join… pic.twitter.com/Aax34CbHUz
— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) July 31, 2023
Anastatia credits her journey to the stars to her choice of studying in Scotland at Aberdeen University.
This consequential decision set in motion a chain of events that eventually led to this extraordinary opportunity. Anastatia says:
“Had I not taken the path to Aberdeen University and had we not encountered a detour while securing my visa, we wouldn’t be preparing for space travel today.”
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Virgin Galactic’s upcoming mission, Galactic 02, marks the second commercial spaceflight for the American space company. The opportunity to be onboard this historic flight comes with a price tag, reaching as high as $450,000 (R8 336 025,00).
The previous mission, Galactic 01, successfully reached an impressive altitude of 279,000 feet (85km) in June, and it is expected that the second mission will follow a similar path.
For Anastatia, this journey goes beyond personal accomplishment, it’s about inspiring others.
“My intention is to just break any barriers that we set for ourselves or that the world sets for us…I want 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.”
As they embark on this extraordinary odyssey together, Keisha expresses profound joy, calling it more than a dream come true to be able to travel to space with her daughter.
“This is my kid, I love her with all my heart, and to know that we both share the same goal, the same dream, that is super over the moon,” she beams.
Galactic 02 will set out for the stars on 10 August 2023. Find more details and watch the live stream here.
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Feature Image: Instagram / @virgingalactic
