Blue Origin is gearing up to launch paying passengers into space via its New Shepard rocket, offering an unparalleled vantage point of Earth from 100 kilometers up. Tickets for these historic flights are now on sale.
Blue Origin has spent years developing suborbital tourist flights aboard the New Shepard vehicle, reaching just over 100 kilometers altitude. The rocket recently completed its 15th automated test flight from the Corn Ranch in Texas—a full dress rehearsal ahead of the first crewed mission (video at article's end).
Passengers, up to six per flight, will strap into a spacious capsule, enduring 3-4G forces during ascent (G denoting gravity). In space, they'll float in weightlessness for 5-10 minutes, gazing at Earth through expansive portholes. Descent brings up to 5G forces before a gentle parachute landing.
Ready for liftoff? Blue Origin opened ticket sales on May 5, marking the 60th anniversary of Alan Shepard's pioneering U.S. spaceflight—the namesake for New Shepard. The inaugural commercial flight is slated for July 20.
Be prepared for the premium price: While official figures are pending (announced May 5), experts estimate $100,000 to $200,000 per seat. For context, rival Virgin Galactic charges $250,000.
Blue Origin aims for flights every six weeks, scale depending on demand.
Additionally, NASA has partnered with Blue Origin for a modified New Shepard capsule to simulate lunar gravity (one-sixth Earth's). This will enable testing of instruments for NASA's planned Moon base.
