Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company, Blue Origin, will launch a rocket from West Texas carrying six passengers on a journey to the edge of space. Travelers will soar more than 60 miles above Earth, experiencing stunning views of the planet and brief moments of weightlessness in microgravity. Upon their safe return, they will join a select group of people who have completed the company’s suborbital space flights, including celebrities, business leaders and other private space travelers.
Also read: Several US states declare a state of emergency in the face of a winter storm
When is Blue Origin launched?
Blue Origin plans to launch its New Shepard rocket on Thursday, January 22, with liftoff scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET. The flight will take off from the company’s private launch facility, Launch One Site, located near the US-Mexico border in West Texas, the company confirmed, USA Today reported.
The Federal Aviation Administration has indicated in an operations plan notice that a backup launch window is available the next day in case Thursday’s launch needs to be postponed.
Will the Blue Origin launch be broadcast live?
Blue Origin will broadcast a live webcast of the launch approximately 30 minutes before liftoff. The stream will be available on the company’s website and social media platform X.
NS-38 crew details
Once the New Shepard rocket launches, its six passengers will become part of a growing group of 86 people who have flown on the spacecraft on 16 previous human missions, including six who have made multiple trips. The next flight, designated NS-38, will mark the 38th launch of the New Shepard vehicle.
Tim Drexlar: former owner and CEO of Ace Asphalt and private pilot
Linda Edwards: Retired Certified OB/GYN and Breast Cancer Survivor
Alain Fernandez: international real estate developer and investor
Alberto Gutiérrez: Entrepreneur and avid traveler who founded Civitatis, a company that offers guided tours around the world.
Jim Hendren: Retired US Air Force colonel and former F-15 fighter pilot with multiple overseas combat deployments, as well as former Arkansas state senator.
Laura Stiles: Blue Origin’s New Shepard Launch Operations Director
Oklahoma native Andrew Yaffe, originally selected as a passenger for the mission, withdrew due to illness. Blue Origin confirmed on Tuesday, January 20, that it will be joining a future flight.