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Are All-Female Space Flights The Future Or Just The Latest Hype? Blue Origin’s Bold Move | TDG Explainer

April 17, 2025, 6:21 am

Blue Origin made headlines on April 14 with an all-female crew aboard its New Shepard rocket, marking a historic moment in space travel. American pop star Katy Perry, billionaire Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez, CBS presenter Gayle King, and three other women soared to the edge of space, spending approximately 11 minutes in suborbital flight. This was the first all-women mission since 1963.

While the mission cost a hefty $150,000 in deposits per ticket, it has sparked a mixed response. The flight was undeniably symbolic and inspirational, but many are questioning if such ventures are worth the hype, particularly when considering their environmental and social impact.

What is Space Tourism?

Space tourism allows private individuals to visit space for leisure. Most commercial trips, including Blue Origin’s, only reach the Kármán line – the edge of space about 100 km above sea level – offering a few minutes of weightlessness. Unlike government-led space exploration, space tourism serves the ultra-rich and focuses on thrill-seeking rather than scientific discovery.

Major players include Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic, and Bezos’ Blue Origin. These companies offer both suborbital and orbital flights, with prices ranging from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars.

The Business Behind the Hype

Despite criticisms, space tourism is booming. Valued at $848 million in 2023, the industry hit $1.3 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $6.7 billion by 2030, growing at over 31% annually. Advocates believe it will rejuvenate interest in space exploration and accelerate technological innovation.

“We have gotten a lot of products that are safe in a space environment that we copy in a safe way for the benefit of people on Earth,” said Annette Toivonen, a lecturer at Helsinki’s Haag-Helia University and author of Sustainable Space Tourism: An Introduction. She suggested space-driven research might yield breakthroughs in sustainable fuel systems, like hydrogen alternatives.

Bezos also defended the space tourism mission, stating it was about “building a road to space for the next generations to do amazing things there, and those amazing things will solve problems here on Earth.”

The Criticism: Wasteful and Harmful?

Critics argue that space tourism serves only the ultra-rich while contributing to environmental degradation. Hollywood actor Olivia Munn called it “a bit gluttonous,” adding, “There’s a lot of people who can’t even afford eggs.”

She further questioned the purpose: “Space exploration was to further our knowledge and to help mankind. What are they going to do up there that has made it better for us down here?”

Environmental concerns also dominate the debate. Rocket launches, though relatively few, emit pollutants in the stratosphere that can deplete the ozone layer. “Hydrogen and oxygen can produce water, and water released into the dry stratosphere can influence the climate,” said Eloise Marais, a physical geography professor at University College London.

Even Virgin Galactic’s rubber-fueled hybrid engines release soot, contributing to atmospheric pollution. “Hybrid engines can use different types of fuels, but they always generate a lot of soot,” said Filippo Maggi, aerospace professor at Politecnico di Milano.

Pollution Per Launch vs. Air Travel

Dallas Kasaboski of Northern Sky Research noted that a single suborbital spaceflight may pollute as much as a 10-hour transatlantic flight. “Even if the suborbital tourism market is launching at a fraction of the number of launches compared to the rest of the [tourism] industry, each of their flights has a much higher contribution, and that could be a problem.”

Martin Ross from Aerospace Corporation emphasized the lack of data. “The amount of fuel currently burned by the space industry is less than one per cent of the fuel burned by aviation. So there has not been a lot of research… but things are changing.”

Final Frontier or Futile Fantasy?

As Blue Origin’s historic flight captures imaginations, questions about accessibility, ethics, and sustainability remain. Whether space tourism leads to meaningful innovation or remains an exclusive luxury is still up for debate. For now, it serves as a flashy but controversial glimpse into the future of travel.

Net Worth of Six Women on Blue Origin’s Historic Flight: Who’s the Richest?

April 14, 2025, 5:18 pm

Blue Origin’s female flight crew, which will blast off into space from West Texas on April 14, consists of six incredible women: film producer Kerianne Flynn, NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronautics researcher Amanda Nguyen, pop star Katy Perry, television host Gayle King, and journalist Lauren Sanchez. This mission is an important milestone since the crew will be crossing the Karman line, the recognized edge of space, and experience weightlessness for approximately four minutes and have spectacular views of Earth from space.

The mission, under the guidance of Jeff Bezos’s girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez, will be broadcast live, enabling viewers to watch the historic moment from the comfort of their homes. Sanchez explained in an interview with Elle that the women chosen for the mission had ‘proven their ability to inspire others’.

Singer Katy Perry, a dedicated space fan, exclaimed in an interview with Elle: “Even when Blue Origin first started speaking about commercial travel to space, I was like, ‘Sign me up! I’m on line one.’ And then they called me and I was like, ‘Seriously? I get invited?'”

For film director Flynn, civil rights activist Nguyen, and NASA rocket scientist Bowe, the chance to travel to space was a dream come true after many years. The crew of NS-31, deemed ‘ready to fly to space’ by CrewMember 7 Sarah Knights, is scheduled for launch at 8:30 a.m. CDT / 13:30 UTC.

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Who’s the Richest Among the Crew?

Here’s a look at the net worth of the crew members:

Katy Perry: The global singer and television judge leads the way with a projected net value of $400 million. As one of the top-paid entertainers in the world, she sold her music catalog to Litmus Music for $225 million in 2023.

Lauren Sanchez. The news anchor and entertainment correspondent at the age of 55 is worth $30 million.

Gayle King: The renowned television personality and presenter of CBS Mornings stands at an approximate net worth of $40 million. She has been listed among the most influential people in the world by Time Magazine in 2019.

Kerianne Flynn: The movie producer holds an estimated net worth of $7 million by 2025.

Aisha Bowe: An ex-NASA scientist and CEO of STEMBoard, a firm overseeing a $947 million project, has not yet had her net worth publicly disclosed.

Amanda Nguyen: A civil rights advocate who has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, was in 2022 named TIME’s Woman of the Year, but her net worth is not publicly disclosed.

Of the six women going on Blue Origin’s historic spaceflight, Katy Perry is the richest

Katy Perry Rockets into Space: Blue Origin vs. Its Rivals | TDG Explainer

March 7, 2025, 2:36 am

Pop icon Katy Perry is set to embark on a historic journey as part of Blue Origin’s first all-female space mission. This marks another milestone for the private space company founded by Jeff Bezos. While Blue Origin continues to expand its footprint in space tourism and exploration, it faces stiff competition from other aerospace giants like SpaceX, NASA, and ISRO. In this article, we delve into Blue Origin’s role in the space industry and compare it with other key players.

What is Blue Origin?

Blue Origin is an American aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000. It focuses on developing reusable rocket technology to make space travel more accessible and sustainable. The company has achieved several milestones in suborbital tourism and is working on next-generation orbital missions.

Recent Crew Announcement

The upcoming mission, scheduled for this spring, features an all-female crew:

Katy Perry: Renowned pop singer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Lauren Sánchez: Emmy Award-winning journalist, licensed pilot, and vice-chair of the Bezos Earth Fund.
Gayle King: Co-host of CBS Mornings and editor-at-large of Oprah Daily.
Aisha Bowe: Former NASA rocket scientist and CEO of STEMBoard.
Amanda Nguyen: Civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee.
Kerianne Flynn: Film producer and community leader.

This mission marks the first all-female spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo journey in 1963.

Key Achievements:

Successfully launched and landed reusable rockets (New Shepard).
Conducted multiple commercial suborbital flights with civilian astronauts.
Developing the New Glenn rocket for orbital missions.
Collaborating on NASA’s Artemis program to return humans to the Moon.

How Does Blue Origin Compare with Other Aerospace Giants?

The space industry has multiple key players, each contributing uniquely to space exploration. Below is a comparison of Blue Origin with its competitors.

Company	Founder	Founded	Famous For	Key Achievements	Ranking (Innovation & Impact)
Blue Origin	Jeff Bezos	2000	Space tourism, reusable rockets	First private company to conduct suborbital civilian spaceflight, working on lunar lander for Artemis program	★★★★☆
SpaceX	Elon Musk	2002	Reusable rockets, Mars colonization	First private company to send astronauts to ISS, Starship development for interplanetary travel	★★★★★
NASA	U.S. Government	1958	Human spaceflight, deep-space missions	Apollo Moon landings, Mars rovers, Artemis program	★★★★★
ISRO	Indian Government	1969	Cost-effective space missions	First Asian nation to reach Mars in first attempt, Chandrayaan lunar missions	★★★★☆
Roscosmos	Russian Government	1992	Human spaceflight, ISS support	First human in space (Yuri Gagarin), long-term ISS partnership	★★★★☆
Boeing	–	1916	Commercial spacecraft	CST-100 Starliner for ISS missions	★★★☆☆

What Sets Blue Origin Apart?

While SpaceX dominates interplanetary exploration, and NASA leads government-backed missions, Blue Origin has carved its niche in space tourism and commercial missions. Its focus on sustainability and reusable rockets is shaping the future of accessible space travel.

Conclusion

Katy Perry’s participation in Blue Origin’s first all-female space mission highlights the growing involvement of celebrities in space tourism. As competition among aerospace companies intensifies, innovations in commercial space travel continue to push boundaries. Whether it’s Blue Origin’s next suborbital journey, SpaceX’s Mars colonization plans, or NASA’s Moon missions, the race for space supremacy is more exciting than ever.

Katy Perry to Join Blue Origin’s First All-Female Space Mission

March 6, 2025, 4:29 am

Pop star Katy Perry is set to embark on a historic space journey as part of Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission, which will feature an all-female crew. The suborbital flight, scheduled for this spring, will be led by mission commander Lauren Sánchez and will also include accomplished professionals such as former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, film producer Kerianne Flynn, CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, and bioastronautics research scientist Amanda Nguyen.

This will be the first all-female space mission since cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s pioneering flight in 1963, marking a major milestone in space history.

Mission to Inspire Future Generations

According to Blue Origin, the NS-31 mission aims to encourage more women to pursue careers in space exploration and STEM fields. Lauren Sánchez, a former news anchor and partner of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, has expressed her hope that this mission will serve as an inspiration for young girls around the world.

Reports indicate that Katy Perry’s involvement is fueled by her desire to inspire her daughter and young fans to embrace curiosity and explore new frontiers.

What to Expect from the Suborbital Flight

The crew will launch aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard, a reusable space vehicle designed to carry passengers beyond the Kármán line, 100 kilometers above Earth. The journey will provide a brief but exhilarating experience of weightlessness before the capsule makes a controlled descent back to Earth.

New Shepard is a fully autonomous system, meaning no pilots are required. Previous high-profile passengers have included actor William Shatner and former NFL player Michael Strahan.

Blue Origin’s Growing Role in Space Tourism

The NS-31 mission follows Blue Origin’s recent NS-30 flight, which carried a mix of entrepreneurs, scientists, and media personalities on a similar suborbital journey. This new mission further cements Blue Origin’s position as a leader in commercial space travel while celebrating the contributions of women in the field.

With this groundbreaking mission, Blue Origin continues to push boundaries, making spaceflight more accessible and inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.

Blue Origin Slashes 1,000 Jobs As Bezos’ Space Ambitions Face Cost-Cutting Reality

February 14, 2025, 9:41 pm

Jeff Bezos’ space venture Blue Origin is cutting its workforce by approximately 10% in a bid to cut costs and improve cost-effectiveness. Over 1,000 employees are set to be axed, as revealed in an all-hands meeting last Thursday that was called by CEO Dave Limp.

In a memo to employees, Limp admitted that the aggressive growth had brought additional bureaucracy and inefficiencies. Through restructuring, Blue Origin is eliminating engineering, research and development, and project management jobs and reducing management layers.

The venture comes after several decades of Bezos pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into the company’s futuristic space initiatives, such as moon lander, space station, and developing rocket engines. Even the company hit delays and developmental hiccups, especially in its New Glenn rocket, which launched successfully recently after being postponed for years.

It was established in 2000. Blue Origin once employed about 14,000 people at its Washington headquarters and factories in Alabama, Texas, and Florida. Blue Origin is being increasingly confronted by Elon Musk’s SpaceX with high-launch frequency and aggressive technological innovation dominating the commercial space marketplace.

Limp, a veteran of Amazon, was hired in 2023 to shake things up and speed up some of the most ambitious initiatives, such as an uncrewed moon landing in 2025 and ramping up New Glenn and New Shepard rocket launch rates.

While Blue Origin laid off employees, it is still determined to complete its $10 billion worth of launch orders and continuing its spaceflight operations. The restructuring is intended to set the company up for higher efficiency and success in the highly competitive aviation industry.

Space Milestone Alert!: Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin launches New Glenn Rocket On First Test Flight | WATCH

January 16, 2025, 1:23 pm

Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, successfully launched its reusable New Glenn rocket on January 16 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The milestone flight, delayed multiple times due to weather and technical issues, signals a significant advancement for the company in its quest to revolutionise space travel.

Standing at an impressive 320 feet, the New Glenn rocket is designed to rival SpaceX’s Falcon 9 with its focus on reusability. By reusing components, Blue Origin aims to cut launch costs and enhance operational efficiency, potentially transforming the economics of space exploration.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

BREAKING: 24 years after the company’s founding, Jeff Bezos’ rocket company, Blue Origin, has just successfully reached orbit with its own rocket for the first time ever.

The company’s 320-foot-tall New Glenn Rocket successfully lifted off from Florida tonight for the first… pic.twitter.com/ykDJ2ptwYe

— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) January 16, 2025

Dubbed mission NG-1, the inaugural launch demonstrated the rocket’s capabilities by deploying the Blue Ring Pathfinder payload tug into orbit. This achievement not only showcases Blue Origin’s technical prowess but also underscores its readiness to compete in the growing commercial space industry.

Blue Origin Faces Setback in New Glenn Rocket Launch

January 13, 2025, 2:45 pm

Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, has delayed the inaugural launch of its massive New Glenn rocket due to a technical hitch. The team had set the 320-foot (98-meter) rocket to take off early Monday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The rocket was scheduled to carry a prototype satellite. However, an unspecified issue emerged during the final moments of the countdown, leaving insufficient time to proceed with the launch.

Launch Controllers Begin Fuel Draining After Countdown Halted

As soon as the countdown halted, the team began draining the rocket’s fuel. This action signaled the end of the planned test flight. Blue Origin has not yet announced a revised launch date, citing the need for further investigation to resolve the problem.

The inaugural test flight, which had already faced delays due to rough seas, was a significant milestone for Blue Origin. The company had previously encountered adverse weather conditions. These conditions threatened the recovery of the rocket’s first-stage booster on a floating platform in the Atlantic Ocean.

New Glenn: A Game-Changer for Commercial Space Exploration

The New Glenn rocket, named after astronaut John Glenn—the first American to orbit the Earth—stands five times taller than Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. The New Shepard rocket has carried out suborbital flights, including missions for paying passengers from Texas. In contrast, New Glenn is designed to play a crucial role in the future of commercial space exploration, offering more advanced capabilities for orbital missions.

Jeff Bezos, who founded Blue Origin 25 years ago, was present at the launch site and participated in the countdown from Mission Control near the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Despite the setback, Bezos expressed his determination, stating on Sunday evening, “We’re going to pick ourselves up and keep going.”

Challenges Highlight the Complexity of Launching New Rockets

Although Monday’s delay was a disappointment, it serves as a reminder of the challenges involved in launching a next-generation rocket like New Glenn. The ambitious project aims to establish Blue Origin as a key player in the rapidly evolving field of commercial space exploration, and the delay highlights the complexities of bringing such advanced technologies to life.

Space Showdown: Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Challenges SpaceX

January 11, 2025, 12:27 pm

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin is finally ready to launch its New Glenn rocket on Sunday. Notably, this marks the company’s first attempt to reach Earth orbit. Moreover, it represents a direct challenge to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which has long dominated the space industry.

A Decade in the Making

For over ten years, New Glenn has been a key focus for Blue Origin. The rocket, which stands 30 stories tall, has required billions of dollars in investment. Specifically, it aims to meet the rising demand for satellite launches. Furthermore, its payload bay is twice as wide as SpaceX’s Falcon 9, enabling it to carry larger satellite batches.

If this mission succeeds, New Glenn will also play a significant role in Amazon’s Kuiper satellite network. Consequently, Kuiper will compete with SpaceX’s Starlink in providing global broadband internet services.

Details of the Mission

The highly anticipated launch is scheduled for 1 am ET (0600 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. During this mission, the rocket will carry the Blue Ring satellite. Importantly, this satellite is designed for servicing other satellites and supporting national security operations.

In addition, the launch will test New Glenn’s reusable core stage. After liftoff, this stage will attempt to land on a drone ship, mirroring SpaceX’s successful reusable technology.

Carving Out a Competitive Edge

New Glenn could soon emerge as a favorite among satellite operators. Already, major companies like Eutelsat’s OneWeb, Canada’s Telesat, and AST SpaceMobile have signed multi-launch deals with Blue Origin. Therefore, analysts believe the rocket has positioned itself strategically in the satellite launch market.

On the other hand, it will face competition from United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket. However, New Glenn is significantly more powerful than Vulcan’s current variant.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite its potential, New Glenn’s journey has been anything but smooth. Initially slowed by delays and leadership changes, the project gained momentum after Bezos appointed Dave Limp as CEO in 2023. As a result, the team intensified its efforts to ensure this launch would succeed.

“We’ve never had the entire company working so aggressively on one mission,” said a Blue Origin employee.

National Security Implications

This launch is critical for Blue Origin’s ambitions in defense contracts. The U.S. Space Force will evaluate New Glenn’s performance as part of a certification process. Notably, success here could secure Blue Origin a share of multibillion-dollar national security payload contracts set to be awarded later this year.

A New Era in Space

In conclusion, New Glenn’s debut could reshape the space industry. By directly challenging SpaceX and appealing to top clients, Blue Origin aims to establish itself as a major player. Undoubtedly, this launch is a pivotal moment in the evolving space race.

FAA Grants Blue Origin Launch License for New Glenn Rocket

December 28, 2024, 4:41 pm

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Friday that it has granted Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ rocket company, a commercial space launch license for its New Glenn rocket. This move marks Blue Origin’s entry into a highly competitive arena, as the U.S. Department of Defense has selected the company, alongside SpaceX and United Launch Alliance (a Boeing-Lockheed joint venture), to compete for national security space missions.

The five-year license enables Blue Origin to conduct orbital missions from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, with the reusable New Glenn first stage landing on a barge in the Atlantic Ocean. The debut mission of New Glenn will serve as a certification flight required by the U.S. Space Force before the company can launch national security satellites.

Originally slated to launch NASA spacecraft to Mars, the New Glenn debut was delayed due to development setbacks, prompting NASA to move its spacecraft off the rocket. Instead, New Glenn will launch technology related to Blue Origin’s Blue Ring program, which provides maneuverable spacecraft for the Pentagon.

While SpaceX has dominated the launch industry with its Falcon 9 rocket and is testing its fully reusable Starship rocket, Blue Origin has faced challenges in bringing its New Glenn rocket to market. To accelerate development, the company appointed Amazon veteran Dave Limp in December of last year.

Dreaming Of Space? Learn How Indians Can Join Blue Origin Spaceflight Program

July 1, 2024, 7:09 pm

The Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) has partnered with Blue Origin to welcome India into their groundbreaking human spaceflight program. This initiative is specifically designed for countries that have sent few or no astronauts into space.

Based in the United States, SERA has announced an opportunity for global citizens to vie for six seats on an upcoming New Shepard mission, Blue Origin’s cutting-edge reusable suborbital rocket. This mission offers a unique chance for individuals to experience space travel.

Indian citizens interested in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity can apply for the program by paying a nominal fee of $2.50 (approximately Rs 207.5). This fee is intended to cover verification costs, ensuring a fair and secure selection process. Final candidates will be chosen through public voting, allowing them the incredible opportunity to journey into space aboard the New Shepard.

Blue Origin, founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, is renowned for developing reusable rocket engines, launch vehicles, and lunar landers. Meanwhile, SERA was established to create a global community dedicated to advancing space exploration and research, with the goal of making space accessible to people worldwide.

Joshua Skurla, co-founder of SERA, expressed his excitement about India’s participation in their human spaceflight program. Selected astronauts will experience several minutes of weightlessness before safely returning to Earth.

“Our mission is to democratize space by enabling citizens from over 150 countries with limited access to space to engage in groundbreaking research and contribute to the future of space exploration,” Skurla emphasized. “We aspire to empower global participation and ensure diverse voices in shaping our space endeavors.”

This initiative marks a significant step in making space travel more inclusive and accessible, opening the doors for many who have never had the chance to explore beyond our planet.

Dream Big: Jeff Bezos Welcomes Indian Space Tourist On Blue Origin

May 18, 2024, 6:32 pm

Indian aviator Gopichand Thotakura is set to make history as the first Indian space tourist on Sunday, joining Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission to the Kármán line and back. The Kármán line, marking the boundary of space, sits 100 kilometers above sea level.

You can catch the launch live at 7 pm IST on Blue Origin’s social media platforms. The event will be streamed 40 minutes before liftoff from Launch Site One in West Texas, USA.

Who is Gopichand Thotakura?

Thotakura, a pilot since a young age, co-founded Preserve Life Corp, a wellness center near Atlanta International Airport.
He has piloted medical jets internationally and flown various aircraft types, with over 2000 medical air ambulance missions under his belt.
An adventurous spirit, he recently conquered Mt. Kilimanjaro and graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Expressing his honor, Thotakura said, “It is an incredible honor to become India’s first civilian astronaut.” He aims to inspire future generations in space exploration and STEAM education.

Accompanying Thotakura are notable figures like Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L. Hess, Carol Schaller, and Ed Dwight, marking Blue Origin’s 25th mission in human flight history.

Who is Gopi Thotakura? All you need to know

April 12, 2024, 4:20 pm

Indian pilot Gopichand Thotakura is set to become the first Indian to venture into space as a tourist, selected for Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission. He joins a distinguished lineup of 31 candidates who have flown beyond the Karman line, the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.

Describing him, Blue Origins wrote, “Gopi is a pilot and aviator who learned how to fly before he could drive. Gopi pilots bush, aerobatic, and seaplanes, as well as gliders and hot air balloons, and has served as an international medical jet pilot. A lifelong traveler, his most recent adventure took him to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.”

The 30-year-old, born in Vijayawada, currently runs Preserve Life Corp, a global center for holistic wellness and applied health located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Each member of the NS-25 mission will carry a postcard on behalf of Blue Origin’s foundation, Club for the Future, symbolizing the collective dreams and aspirations of young minds worldwide.

#NewShepard #NS25 crew will include Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Ed Dwight, Ken Hess, Carol Schaller, and Gopi Thotakura. Read more ?: https://t.co/KbAJkbRTvj pic.twitter.com/8QBFYPJkYj

— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) April 4, 2024

The NS-25 mission heralds a new era of sustainability in space exploration, with Blue Origin stating, “Nearly 99% of New Shepard’s dry mass is reused, including the booster, capsule, engine, landing gear, and parachutes. New Shepard’s engine is fueled by highly efficient liquid oxygen and hydrogen. During flight, the only byproduct is water vapor with no carbon emissions.”

The launch date for the mission is yet to be announced. The mission also includes former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight, who was selected by US President John F Kennedy in 1961 as the country’s first Black astronaut candidate but was never granted the opportunity to fly to space.

Blue Origin has carried out six crewed flights — some passengers were paying customers and others were guests — since July 2021, when CEO Jeff Bezos himself took part in the first. The company is also developing a heavy rocket for commercial purposes called New Glenn, with the maiden flight planned for next year.