A mom who’s going to make historical past by flying to house Virgin Galactics first official vacationer flight together with her daughter has revealed how she is going to fulfill a lifelong dream.
Keisha Schahaff, 46, and her 18-year-old daughter Anastasia Mayers, will develop into the first-ever mom and daughter to journey into house after successful two coveted $900,000 seats in a prize draw.
The duo — who may even make their mark as the primary astronauts from the Caribbean — will board VSS Unity on the launch website in New Mexico on Aug. 10 for a 90-minute journey into house.
Speaking to DailyMail.com, Keisha says going to house has been a dream she’s had for the reason that “early age of two” and main as much as her massive day, she’s “loved every moment, processed the experience and diligently prepared for the incredible space journey ahead.”
Keisha Schahaff, 46, and her 18-year-old daughter Anastasia Mayers, would be the first ever mom and daughter to journey to house after successful two coveted locations
The duo — who may even make their mark as the primary astronauts from the Caribbean — will board VSS Unity on the launch website in New Mexico on Aug. 10 for a 90-minute journey into house.
Virgin Space Ship Unity ventured on its maiden flight on June 29, however with out paying prospects on board
Describing intimately how her fascination with house started, the Antiguan stated, “As a two-year-old I was fascinated by the stars, staring at the night sky and dreaming of going into space.
“As I got older, my interest in space exploration only grew and I aspired to be an astronaut. However, the reality that I had no opportunities in my country or the Caribbean to pursue this dream made me feel insecure.
“Yet my passion for life and the wonders of creation remained steadfast. Everything to do with space aroused my curiosity. I devoured magazines, watched sci-fi movies and immersed myself in space-related videos.’
In an effort to fulfill her dreams, Keisha entered a raffle draw for two seats with Virgin Galactic on a Virgin flight from Antigua to London in 2021 and to her surprise, she later learned that she was a prize winner. To top it off, she even got a surprise visit from Richard Branson.
She originally planned to bring a friend, but she had just had a baby, so her daughter jumped at the chance.
As the countdown to their alien adventure begins, Keisha and Anastasia are currently participating in Virgin Galactic’s “Readiness Journey Program,” which covers every thing from how spaceflight works to bodily and psychological preparation.
Although Virgin Galactic has strict security protocols and precautions in place to make sure the security of its crew and passengers, there are nonetheless dangers related to an evolving and at the moment unregulated business.
During considered one of Virgin Galactic’s check flights on October 31, 2014, a pilot was killed and one other injured when the SpaceShipTwo spacecraft crashed within the California desert.
In an effort to make her desires come true, in 2021 Keisha entered a raffle for 2 seats with Virgin Galactic on Virgin’s flight from Antigua to London.
Keisha says getting ready for her house mission with Virgin Galactic alongside her daughter has been a bonding expertise
However, a lot has been accomplished since then to stop such an incident from taking place once more and the Virgin Space Ship Unity has a number of security upgrades.
It ventured its first flight on June 29, however with out paying prospects on board.
Instead, it carried three crew members from the Italian Air Force and Italy’s National Research Council with one astronaut teacher from Virgin Galactic.
Virgin Galactic’s first flight launched shortly after the doomed OceanGate submarine expedition, which claimed the lives of 5 explorers, together with Pakistani billionaire Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his 19-year-old son Suleman.
While the incident raised issues about excessive journey tourism, Keisha informed DailyMail.com that the tragic occasion has not made her nervous for her upcoming journey to house and she or he is “totally thrilled.”
The mom of two, who works as a well being and wellness coach, stated: ‘This dream has been ingrained in me for as long as I can remember and it feels absolutely priceless to make it come true.
“I can’t wait to drift among the many stars and expertise the weightlessness of weightlessness,” says the mother-of-two
“We constantly inspire and support each other, and I feel incredibly lucky to have her by my side. As a mother, I couldn’t be prouder and happier,” the mom says of her daughter
“What makes it even more special is that I have the opportunity to represent my beloved country, Antigua and Barbuda, and pave the way for our country and our community as the first astronauts.
“Being able to open doors for others to follow their dream of becoming an astronaut is truly amazing and it fills my heart with pride and gratitude.
“The prospect of looking back at our beautiful planet from above and experiencing the profound “overview effect” fills me with pleasure.
“I can’t wait to float among the stars and experience the weightlessness of weightlessness.”
Keisha says getting ready for her house mission with Virgin Galactic alongside her daughter has been a bonding expertise and so they’ve grown nearer through the years.
She defined, “My daughter and I have always been close, but this experience has brought us even closer. The joy of sharing this remarkable journey together has increased our excitement and gratitude.
“We constantly inspire and support each other, and I feel incredibly lucky to have her by my side. As a mother I couldn’t be prouder and happier.
“This adventure has strengthened our bond in ways I never thought possible.”
After coming into a raffle for the Virgin Galactic flights, Keisha obtained a shock go to from Richard Branson
Keisha says her husband has been vastly supportive of her since she received the Virgin Galactic tickets and at first he thought it was all a joke
Keisha hopes it’ll additionally encourage her daughter – who’s learning physics in Aberdeen – to pursue a profession in house.
The mother-daughter duo will journey into house alongside 80-year-old Jon Goodwin from Newcastle within the UK.
The Briton will make historical past as the primary Olympian to journey to house, having competed as a canoeist on the 1972 Munich Games.
He may even be the second particular person with Parkinson’s to go to house after being identified with the situation in 2014.
He’s been battling for house for almost a decade and nearly gave up after getting his prognosis, pondering Virgin Galactic wouldn’t settle for him – however they didn’t.
Like Jon, Keisha and Anastasia’s household and buddies shall be watching them on their massive day.
Keisha says her husband has been very supportive of her ever since she received the Virgin Galactic tickets and at first he thought it was all a joke.
But now he’s “super excited and proud.”
While the Antiguan hopes her journey will encourage others to chase their desires, regardless of their age, she hopes it’ll additionally encourage her daughter – who’s learning physics in Aberdeen – to pursue a profession in house.
She concluded, “It is even more remarkable because this opportunity aligns with her ambition to become an astrobiologist and understand how life can exist beyond Earth, allowing both of our dreams to intertwine and manifest at the same time.
“As part of the younger generation, she has the potential to make significant contributions to the field.”