Mateus Chipa is behind the first Black-owned private rocket company recently launched to enhance diversity in space

Mateus Chipa founded Space Services (TSS), the first black-owned private rocket company, after getting frustrated over the lack of black representation in space exploration. Data reveals that only 18 of NASA’s 360 astronauts are Black.

TSS is based on the founder’s desire to see the black community play leading roles in space exploration. “For the last 10 years, I have been frustrated because I have not seen any black nation or person talking about going to space,” Chipa shared in a video posted on YouTube. “I asked myself: why? Why doesn’t anyone think about it?”

He continued, “Every nation, every race are rushing to go into space. Almost now, every day they always China or Japan, U.S., Russia, India. There’s always news about the space. There’s always news about the private owned rocket company, but of those I never heard that one of those private companies are owned by a Black man or come from a black community or nation.”

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According to TSS’s website, the space mission project exists to fulfill three significant missions– universal space transportation for all, satellite deployment to Africa, cargo transport and manned missions to the moon and other areas of space, and lastly, send a crew with all Black astronauts to the moon and eventually Mars.

“Our goal is to assist African countries in recognizing the significance of space exploration. By providing a cost-effective pathway to space, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and engagement with space endeavors across the continent,” the company website stated.

In this regard, Chipa has launched a GoFundMe to raise funding to support his space mission. What is more, all earnings will also contribute to the creation of two rockets, Big Hussle 33 and Nipsey Sky, named in honor of the late Nipsey Hussle.

“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 said, per his company website. “It’s a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment, ensuring that future space missions reflect the true diversity of humanity.”