Amazon billionaire, Jeff Bezos is going to space on Blue Origins first human flight this summer! Not only is Bezos heading to outer space, he will be accompanied by his brother, Mark. Here is everything we know so far!
Jeff Bezos announced in February that he will be stepping down as Amazon CEO on July 5th. Just weeks after his departure from Amazon, he will be leaving from earth on Blue Origins first human flight.
Jeff bezos is going to space on the first human flight of new shepard.
Former Amazon CEO invested about $1 billion of his own money into aerospace company, Blue Origin. He plans on being one of the first passengers on The New Shepard.
Not only is he heading off for an intergalactic adventure he is bringing his brother, Mark Bezos along for the ride. Both brothers have dreamt of space travel since they were children.
What is The New Shepard?
The New Shepard is a vertical-take off space vehicle, that Blue Origins has developed.
There is currently an auction for a seat aboard the space craft and so far this highest bid is $2.8 million. The auction will continue until June 10th. Two days later the winner will be announced.
The rocket ship is named after famed astronaut Alan Shepard, who is the first American to go to space. The New Shepard can carry up to six astronauts. Additionally, it is said that the spaceflight will last only 11 minutes.
Is It Safe?
Blue Origin has been testing the rocket and its safety since 2012. However, human space travel is a risky adventure. These rockets are extremely complicated and also house many dangerous chemicals that are potentially explosive.
In the event of any trouble, there is safety procedures and emergency evacuation systems. So far, Blue Origin has launched The New Shepard from West Texas 15 times since 2012. All of which reported no issues with crew or with the rocket.
Why is Jeff Bezos stepping down from Amazon
According to multiple reports, Bezos has been stepping back from the day-to-day of Amazon for the last several years. His goals are to work toward long-term projects, including is Blue Origin space travel developments.
What Does Bezos Have to Say About Heading to Space?
Bezos states in an Instagram Video “I want to go to on this flight because it’s a thing I’ve wanted to do all my life. It’s an adventure. It’s a big deal for me.”
Blue Origin Vs SpaceX
Tesla CEO, Elon Musk also wants to join the race to outer space. Musk also runs his own aerospace company, called SpaceX. Additionally, SpaceX became the first private business to send humans to space from American Soil.
NASA was paying Russia to sent astronauts on the Soyuz spacecraft. However, this past May, SpaceX Crew Dragon brought four astronauts home safely after a six month long mission.
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