Schahaff and her daughter Anastasia Mayers prepare to embark on a space travel journey.

The mother-daughter duo will become Antigua and Barbuda’s first astronauts, as well as the first Caribbean mother-daughter pair to venture into space.

Schahaff, aged 46, and her 18-year-old daughter will board the Galactic 02 spaceflight from Spaceport America, New Mexico, on August 10, 2023. This marks Virgin Galactic’s first private astronaut spaceflight and second commercial spaceflight.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has announced two public watch parties, which will take place on August 10 in both Antigua and Barbuda. This will allow the entire nation to participate in the celebrations.

The Galactic 02 spaceflight will be a historic and inspirational moment for the Caribbean and beyond, with watch parties and observances taking place to celebrate the achievements of the astronauts.

The Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment for Antigua and Barbuda expressed his admiration for the duo, stating that they will serve as an inspiration for others who dream of space travel. He also invited everyone to join the watch parties for this historic moment.

The CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority applauded the two women and said that the entire nation is excited to witness their journey to space.

Special invited guests of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda for the watch party will include Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic, and Christopher Huie, the 19th Black astronaut who earlier this year became a Jamaican-American.

The family of the Antigua and Barbuda astronauts, as well as government officials and dignitaries, will also attend the watch party.

The watch party in Antigua will be held at the Antigua Recreation Ground, and in Barbuda, at the Holy Trinity Primary School.

The venues will open at 9:00 a.m., with launch time shortly after 10:00 a.m. Attendees of the public event will not only be able to witness the launch of the Galactic 02 spaceflight live on screens but also enjoy entertainment and activities in celebration of this momentous occasion.