The twin-island Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda is set to mark a momentous occasion in the country’s history.
Keisha Schahaff and daughter Anastasia Mayers are set to become the first Caribbean astronauts.
It also marks the first mother-daughter duo to go to space.
On 10 August, Antigua’s Schahaff, 46, and her 18-year-old Aberdeen University student daughter, will board the Galactic 02 spaceflight from Spaceport America, New Mexico.
This is Virgin Galactic’s first private astronaut spaceflight and its second commercial spaceflight.
To celebrate, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority will host public watch parties in both Antigua and Barbuda.
“Antigua and Barbuda’s spirit of adventure is unparalleled.,” said Henry Charles Fernandez, Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism.
“We commend the duo who will for years to come serve as an inspiration.”
“We are excited to witness this moment in history.”
CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James added, “We applaud our ladies as they embark on their remarkable journey to space.”
Special invited guests of the Prime Minister at the watch party include Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic.
Also present will be Jamaican-American Christopher Huie, who earlier this year became the 19th Black astronaut.
The watch party in Antigua will take place at the Antigua Recreation Ground and in Barbuda, at the Holy Trinity Primary School.
Venues open at 9:00 a.m. with launch time shortly after 10:00 a.m.
There will be an accompanying program of entertainment and activities.
The spaceflight can be viewed live on: www.virgingalactic.com
