Blue Origin's First Crewed Launch: Bezos Celebrates Success

Blue Origin’s First Crewed Mission and Bezos’ Vision for the Future

Jeff Bezos exhibited visible elation during a press conference held after Blue Origin successfully completed its inaugural crewed space mission, a landmark achievement occurring 21 years after the company’s founding in 2000. The billionaire discussed the company’s future trajectory and his continuing involvement, subsequently announcing a philanthropic donation totaling several hundred million dollars.

The Historic Flight Crew

Bezos was among the four individuals aboard the RSS First Step capsule. Accompanying him were his brother, Mark, a key financier; Wally Funk, a pioneering aviator and veteran of the Mercury 13 program; and Oliver Daemen, an 18-year-old whose father was the second-highest bidder in the Blue Origin seat auction. (The initial $28 million winning bidder had to postpone their flight due to scheduling constraints.)

This mission positions Blue Origin among a select group of organizations that have facilitated space travel for private citizens, representing a significant advancement for the emerging space tourism sector. Notably, the event coincided with the 52nd anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, serving as a tribute to the pioneering spirit of early space exploration.

Recognition and Gratitude

The press conference commenced with the crew receiving astronaut “wings,” a traditional honor bestowed upon those who have journeyed into space. “I am incredibly happy,” Bezos stated, while wearing a cream-colored cowboy hat, similar to the one he donned shortly after exiting the capsule over two hours prior.

Bezos extended his gratitude to the city of Van Horn, Texas, acknowledging Blue Origin’s impact on the community. He also expressed appreciation to every Amazon employee and the company’s vast customer base, stating, “You genuinely funded this endeavor.”

A Glimpse of Microgravity

A short video was presented, showcasing the crew experiencing approximately four minutes of weightlessness, including playful moments of catching floating Skittles.

A Milestone in Space Tourism

This flight marks the second entirely privately-funded, crewed suborbital mission this month, a historical first. Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity, a rocket-powered spaceplane, achieved this feat on July 11th, with its founder, Richard Branson, on board, sparking a notable rivalry between the two billionaire entrepreneurs. Regardless, both flights have significantly advanced the viability of space tourism.

Implications for Blue Origin’s Future

The success of this mission is anticipated to bolster Blue Origin’s commercial heavy-lift rocket launch capabilities, currently dominated by SpaceX. The reusable technologies refined through New Shepard’s development could prove invaluable for the advancement of New Glenn, the company’s ambitious orbital launch vehicle. Bezos indicated in February a shift in the planned inaugural launch of New Glenn from late 2021 to the final quarter of 2022.

Image Credits: Blue Origin / YouTube

“In reality, the architecture and technology we’ve selected are more than sufficient” for space tourism, Bezos explained. He emphasized that Blue Origin deliberately chose this approach “because it allows for scalability [ … ] and the primary objective is to gain experience” for larger, more demanding missions.

Liquid Fuel and Future Launches

Bezos reiterated the strategic importance of utilizing liquid fuel, framing it as preparation for future launch endeavors. “Each tourism mission serves as practice for operating the second stage of New Glenn.”

NASA Partnership

In December 2020, NASA included Blue Origin on its list of companies eligible to bid on contracts through the Launch Services II program. While this inclusion doesn’t guarantee a contract for New Glenn or other Blue Origin rockets, it represents a crucial initial step in the process.

Future Plans and Cost Reduction

Jeff Bezos revealed that Blue Origin has already secured approximately $100 million in private sales for future flights and anticipates launching two additional crewed missions this year. The price per seat remains unannounced. He suggested that the cost of space tourism will decrease over time, mirroring the trajectory of commercial air travel, which is now accessible to millions.

The Courage and Civility Award

Concluding the conference, Bezos announced the establishment of a $100 million Courage and Civility Award, with CNN commentator Van Jones and chef José Andrés as the inaugural recipients. The winners will donate the funds to charities of their choosing. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate civility and refrain from personal attacks. The initiative appears to be a commentary on the current state of political discourse, particularly the importance of respectful disagreement.

A Dual Focus: Space and Earth

Looking ahead, the Amazon founder stated his intention to divide his time between Blue Origin and the Bezos Earth Fund, a $10 billion investment dedicated to addressing climate change.

“This isn’t about escaping Earth. This planet is the only habitable one in our solar system,” Bezos emphasized. “We must prioritize its preservation.”

The press conference replay can be viewed here: