Excitement is growing and several watch parties have been planned for the
historical event – the flight into lower space, by the mother-daughter pair aboard
the Virgin Galactic vessel.
Keisha Schahaff and her daughter Anastasia Mayers are set to embark on a space
travel journey, that will see them become Antigua and Barbuda’s first astronauts,
and the first Caribbean mother-daughter duo to go to space.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Schahaff who is forty-six years old, and her eighteen-year-
old daughter will on August 10, 2023, board the Galactic 02 spaceflight from
Spaceport America, New Mexico, marking Virgin Galactic’s first private astronaut
spaceflight, and second commercial spaceflight.
To mark the historic occasion, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism
Authority announced that two public watch parties will take place on August 10 in
both Antigua and Barbuda, allowing for the entire nation to be a part of the
celebrations.
The flight of the Galactic 02 will mark a historic and inspirational moment for the
Caribbean and beyond, with watch parties and observances happening to celebrate
the curiosity and achievements of the astronauts.
“Antigua and Barbuda’s spirit of adventure is unparalleled. We commend the duo
who will for years to come serve as an inspiration for those within our society who
dream of travelling to space, and as a reminder of fearless Antiguans and
Barbudans who have broken barriers. We are excited to witness this moment in
history and extend an open invitation to all, to join us at the watch parties for this
historic moment,” said Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, Charles
Fernandez.
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. The
excitement is such, that all of Antigua and Barbuda feels as if we will be going to
space with the ladies. We cannot wait for August 10, and will be out with our flags
to cheer the ladies on.”
Special guests of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, at the watch party will be
Sir Richard Branson founder of Virgin Galactic, and Christopher Huie, a Jamaican-
American, who earlier this year became the 19th Black astronaut, family of the
Antigua and Barbuda astronauts, as well as Government officials and dignitaries.
The watch party in Antigua will take place at the Antigua Recreation Grounds and
in Barbuda, at the Holy Trinity Primary School. Venues will open at 9:00 a.m. with
launch time shortly after 10:00 a.m.
In addition to being part of the countdown and witnessing the exciting launch of
the Galactic 02 spaceflight from Spaceport America, New Mexico, and live on
screens in Antigua and Barbuda, persons attending the public event will also enjoy
entertainment and activities in celebration of the occasion.
