Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, embarked on a remarkable journey to space aboard his company Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, marking a significant moment in the burgeoning era of space tourism. This suborbital flight not only fulfilled a lifelong dream for Bezos but also underscored the escalating competition in the commercial space sector.
Accompanied by an inspiring crew, including his brother Mark Bezos, aviation pioneer Wally Funk, and student Oliver Daemen, Jeff Bezos experienced the wonders of spaceflight firsthand. The New Shepard capsule, renowned for its expansive windows, provided breathtaking panoramic views of Earth, enhancing the experience for the crew. Upon a successful touchdown in the West Texas desert after a brief but exhilarating 10-minute and 10-second flight, Jeff Bezos enthusiastically declared it the “Best day ever!”
Blue Origin’s New Shepard mission is explicitly designed to tap into the growing space tourism market. However, the venture, along with similar endeavors by other billionaires, has faced criticism. Detractors argue that such “joy rides” for the ultra-wealthy divert resources that could be better utilized addressing pressing earthly issues like income inequality or climate change.
In response to these concerns, Jeff Bezos has articulated an ambitious environmental vision tied to his space endeavors. He envisions relocating heavy and polluting industries to space, thereby preserving Earth as a pristine planet. “We need to take all heavy industry, all polluting industry and move it into space, and keep Earth as this beautiful gem of a planet that it is,” Jeff Bezos stated. He acknowledged that realizing this vision is a long-term project, spanning decades, but emphasized that “big things start with small steps,” and suborbital tourism missions are crucial for gaining experience and refining space technologies.
This particular New Shepard flight was notable for including Wally Funk, at 82 years old, the oldest person to ever journey into space, and Oliver Daemen, an 18-year-old student, the youngest. Their participation highlighted the broadening accessibility of space travel, albeit still in its early, commercially focused stages.
The New Shepard spacecraft launched from Blue Origin’s private launch facility in West Texas at 14:12 BST (09:12 EDT). Jeff Bezos, in a post-flight briefing, confessed that the reality of spaceflight surpassed his already high expectations. Approximately two minutes into the flight, the capsule detached from the booster rocket and ascended towards the Karman Line, the internationally recognized boundary of space situated 100km above Earth. Overwhelmed by the experience, the crew audibly expressed their awe and excitement.
Video footage from inside the capsule during the post-flight briefing showcased the crew enjoying approximately four minutes of weightlessness, performing somersaults and playful tumbles against the backdrop of stunning Earth views. Jeff Bezos conveyed his surprise at how “normal” microgravity felt. Wally Funk enthusiastically echoed this sentiment, expressing her eagerness for a repeat experience. Funk’s journey was particularly poignant given her history as part of the Mercury 13, a group of women who underwent rigorous astronaut testing in the 1960s but were denied the opportunity to fly in space by NASA due to their gender.
Jeff Bezos had previously lauded Wally Funk’s exceptional skills and enduring capabilities, stating, “Wally can outrun all of us. During the Mercury 13, she was better than all the men and I can guarantee that’s still true today.” Mark Bezos, Jeff’s brother, and a senior vice president at the Robin Hood Foundation, a New York-based charity, also contributed to the diverse crew composition. Oliver Daemen, who filled the seat originally intended for an anonymous auction winner, is the son of a Dutch financier.
The New Shepard capsule reached a peak altitude of around 107km (351,210ft) before commencing its descent. It deployed parachutes for a gentle landing back in the West Texas desert.
Upon landing, a jubilant Jeff Bezos emerged from the capsule to greet his family and well-wishers. During the descent, he communicated to mission control, “You have a very happy crew up here.” Mark Bezos revealed that the flight carried symbolic artifacts from aviation history, including a piece of fabric from the Wright brothers’ first airplane, a medallion commemorating the first hot air balloon flight, and Amelia Earhart’s goggles, adding a historical dimension to the pioneering spaceflight.
Jeff Bezos’s recent transition from CEO of Amazon to focusing on ventures like Blue Origin signals a deepened commitment to space exploration and development. The New Shepard mission represents a crucial step in realizing his broader vision for humanity’s future in space.
This successful flight not only marks a personal triumph for Jeff Bezos but also propels the space tourism industry forward, initiating a new chapter in commercial space travel and raising important questions about the future of space exploration and its accessibility.
