Keisha Schahaff and Anastasia Mayers, a mother and daughter duo from Antigua and Barbuda, are set to become the first astronauts from their country as they embark on a space voyage this morning.

They will take off from New Mexico at 10:00 a.m. after Keisha entered a competition while on a Virgin Atlantic flight to London to sort out her daughter’s visa.

The competition led to their selection as top finalists and eventual winners, with Richard Branson and his team coming to their house to announce the news.

Anastasia, a second-year philosophy and physics student studying in Scotland, believes that her decision to study in Scotland and the detour they took to get her visa led to this opportunity.

The mission, named Galactic 02, is the second commercial spaceflight by the American space company and the first with paying customers onboard.

Anastasia hopes to use this experience to inspire others in Scotland, Antigua, and anywhere else she has ties.

Meanwhile, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is excited to announce, two watch parties for this incredible and historic occasion.

They will be held at the Antigua Recreations Ground and the Holy Trinity Primary School

The watch party in Antigua will feature visiting guests Richard Branson founder of Virgin Galactic, and Christopher Huie, a Jamaican-American, who earlier this year became the 19th Black astronaut.

In addition to being part of the countdown and witnessing the exciting launch of the Galactic 02 spaceflight from Spaceport America, New Mexico live on screens in Antigua and Barbuda, persons attending the public event will enjoy entertainment and activities in celebration of the occasion.