On May 19, 2024, Blue Origin successfully launched its NS-25 mission to space with six passengers on board. Among them was Ed Dwight, the first Black astronaut candidate in NASA's space program who never went to space before. This marked a historic moment as Dwight became the oldest person to venture into space at the age of 90.
Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, had faced a hiatus after an engine failure in late 2022. The NS-25 mission was the first manned launch since then and represented a significant milestone for the private space travel company.
The passengers experienced weightlessness and saw Earth against the blackness of space during their brief journey. Although prices for New Shepard flights have not been disclosed, it is known that they include a few minutes of weightlessness and an unforgettable view of our planet from above.
The NS-25 mission was the seventh crewed flight for Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket. Previously, the company had conducted six successful missions with passengers on board. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversaw an investigation into the engine failure in late 2022 and revealed that it was caused by a failed nozzle due to higher temperatures than anticipated. Blue Origin implemented design changes to improve safety following the incident.
Ed Dwight, who was recommended for astronaut training in NASA's space program in 1961 but never got the opportunity, finally went to space on this mission. He expressed his excitement and gratitude during the flight, stating that he didn't need to go to space before but now he did.
The NS-25 mission was carried out from Blue Origin's facilities in West Texas. The passengers included venture capitalist Mason Angel, founder of Brasserie Mont-Blanc Sylvain Chiron, software engineer and entrepreneur Kenneth L. Hess, retired accountant Carol Schaller, and Gopi Thotakura.
Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket has been a game-changer in the space industry by offering affordable space travel opportunities for civilians. The company continues to push boundaries and inspire people with its innovative approach to space exploration.