A mother who is set to make history by flying to space on Virgin Galactic’s first official tourism flight with her daughter has revealed how she will be fulfilling a life-long dream. 

Keisha Schahaff, 46, and her 18-year-old daughter Anastatia Mayers, will be the first mother and daughter ever to make a trip to space after winning two coveted places worth $900,000 in a prize draw.

The duo – who will also make their mark as the first astronauts from the Caribbean – are set to board VSS Unity at the New Mexico launch site for a 90-minute trip into space on August 10. 

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Keisha says going to space is a dream she has had since the ‘tender age of two’ and in the run up to her big day she has been ‘savoring every moment, processing the experience, and diligently preparing for the incredible space journey ahead.’

Detailing how her fascination with space began, the Antiguan said: ‘As a two-year-old I was fascinated by the stars, gazing up at the night sky, and dreaming of venturing into space. 

‘As I grew older, my interest in space exploration only intensified, and I aspired to become an astronaut. However, the reality of not having any avenues in my country or the Caribbean to pursue this dream left me feeling unsure. 

‘Nonetheless, my passion for life and the wonders of creation remained steadfast. Anything related to space ignited my curiosity. I devoured magazines, watched sci-fi movies, and delved into space-related videos.’

In a bid to live out her dreams, Keisha entered a lottery draw for two seats with Virgin Galactic on a Virgin flight from Antigua to London in 2021 and to her amazement, she later learned she was a prize winner. To top things off, she even received a surprise visit from Richard Branson. 

She was originally planning to take a friend but she had just had a baby, so her daughter jumped at the chance instead. 

With the countdown for their out-of-this-world adventure now on, Keisha and Anastatia are currently participating in Virgin Galactic’s ‘Readiness Journey Program’ which covers everything from how spaceflights work to physical and psychological preparation. 

While Virgin Galactic employs rigorous safety protocols and precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its crew and passengers, there are still risks involved with a developing and currently unregulated industry.

During one of Virgin Galactic’s test flights on October 31, 2014, a pilot was killed and another injured as the SpaceShipTwo space tourism craft crashed in the California desert.

However, much has been done since then to prevent such an incident from happening again and the Virgin Space Ship Unity features various safety upgrades.

It ventured on its first flight on June 29, but without paying customers onboard.

It instead carried three crewmembers of the Italian Air Force and National Research Council of Italy with one astronaut instructor from Virgin Galactic.

Virgin Galactic’s first flight launched shortly after the doomed OceanGate submersible expedition, which took the lives of five explorers including Pakistani billionaire Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his 19-year-old son Suleman.

While the incident raised concerns around extreme adventure tourism, Keisha told DailyMail.com that the tragic event hasn’t made her nervous about her upcoming trip to space and she is ‘completely elated.’ 

The mom-of-two, who works as a health and wellness coach, said: ‘This dream has been ingrained in me for as long as I can remember, and having it come true feels absolutely priceless. 

‘What makes it even more extraordinary is that I have the chance to represent my beloved country, Antigua and Barbuda, and pave the way for our nation and community as the first astronauts. 

‘Being able to open doors for others to follow their dreams of becoming astronauts is truly amazing and 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 excitement. 

‘I can’t wait to float amongst the stars and experience the weightlessness of zero gravity.’

Keisha says that prepping for her space mission with Virgin Galactic alongside her daughter has been a bonding experience and they have become closer over the past couple of years. 

She explained: ‘My daughter and I have always had a close bond, but this experience has brought us even closer. The joy of sharing this remarkable journey together has amplified our excitement and gratitude. 

‘We constantly inspire and support each other, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have her by my side. As a mother, I couldn’t be prouder and happier. 

‘This adventure has strengthened our connection in ways I never imagined possible.’ 

The mother-daughter duo will be traveling into space alongside 80-year-old Jon Goodwin from Newcastle in the UK.

The Brit will make history as the first Olympian to travel to space, having competed in the 1972 Munich Games as a canoeist.

He will also be the second person with Parkinson’s to go to space after being diagnosed with the condition in 2014. 

He has been vying for space for nearly a decade and almost gave up after receiving his diagnosis, thinking Virgin Galactic would not accept him – but that was not the case. 

Like Jon, Keisha and Anastatia’s family and friends will be watching them on their big day. 

Keisha says her husband has been extremely supportive since she won the Virgin Galactic tickets and at first he thought the whole thing was a prank. 

However now he is ‘super excited and proud.’

While the Antiguan hopes her trip will inspire others to peruse their dreams no matter what their age, she is hopeful that it will also encourage her daughter – who is studying physics in Aberdeen – to pursue a career in space.

She concluded: ‘It’s even more remarkable because this opportunity aligns with her aspiration to become an astrobiologist and understand how life can exist beyond Earth, allowing both our dreams to intertwine and manifest simultaneously. 

‘As a part of the younger generation, she holds the potential to make significant contributions to the field.’ 

LeBron James speaks out on Bronny for the first time since his 18-year-old son’s cardiac arrest by thanking the ‘countless people sending my family love and prayers’: Lakers star says he ‘will have more to say when ready’

By Alex Raskin Sports News Editor For Dailymail.com and Associated Press

Updated: 13:39 EDT, 27 July 2023