Forging a Path for Inclusion in the Final Frontier
Mateus Chipa has emerged as the visionary founder of Theby Space Services (TSS), the first Black-owned private rocket company.
Driven by a deep-seated desire to foster greater diversity and inclusion in space exploration, Chipa’s bold initiative aims to address the glaring lack of representation within the industry.
“TSS is more than a space exploration company; it’s a call to action for the Black community and a statement to the world that we are ready to take our rightful place among the stars,” Chipa expressed on his company website.
Shattering Barriers and Empowering Communities
According to recent data, only 18 out of 360 astronauts enlisted with NASA are Black, a disparity that fueled Chipa’s determination.
Frustrated by the absence of Black leadership in the field, he embarked on a mission to break down barriers and create opportunities for empowerment.
“For the last 10 years, I’ve been frustrated because I haven’t seen any Black nation or individual talking about going into space,” Chipa shared in a video on YouTube.
A Visionary Mission with Profound Impact
At the core of TSS’s objectives is to democratize space exploration by offering universal space transportation. The company aims to provide cost-effective access to space, extending its services to African nations for satellite deployment, cargo transport, and manned missions to the moon and beyond.
Chipa’s aspirations extend even further, with plans to assemble an all-Black crew of astronauts for missions to the moon and eventually Mars. This goal reflects TSS’s commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and empowerment within the space industry.
Fueling the Dream with Community Support
To support his groundbreaking mission, Chipa has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for developing two rockets: Big Hussle 33 and Nipsey Sky, named in honor of the late Nipsey Hussle.
These rockets are designed to revolutionize space transportation, capable of carrying both cargo and passengers into the vast expanse of space.
A Call to Action and a Promise for the Future
“TSS is a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment, ensuring that future space missions reflect the true diversity of humanity,” Chipa stated on his company website.
With unwavering determination, Mateus Chipa and Theby Space Services are paving the way for a more inclusive and representative era in space exploration.
