Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, is set to launch six tourists into space on its New Shepard rocket in a mission designated NS-37. The launch is scheduled for December 18, 2025, from the company’s West Texas launch site, marking another step in the growing commercial space tourism industry.
The NS-37 mission is particularly notable as it includes a diverse group of passengers, including Michaela Benthaus, a wheelchair user, who will be the first person with a disability to travel to space on a commercial flight. This inclusion highlights Blue Origin’s commitment to accessibility in space travel, a significant development in an industry that has often been criticized for its lack of inclusivity.
The New Shepard rocket, which has been operational since 2015, is designed for suborbital flights, reaching altitudes above 62 miles (100 kilometers), the internationally recognized boundary of space. The spacecraft is fully autonomous, allowing passengers to experience a few minutes of weightlessness and view the curvature of the Earth before returning safely to the ground. This mission will be the 37th flight of the New Shepard system, which has successfully completed numerous test flights and crewed missions since its inception.
Blue Origin’s foray into space tourism began in July 2021, when Bezos himself flew aboard the first crewed flight of New Shepard, alongside three other passengers. Since then, the company has conducted several missions, each carrying private citizens eager to experience space travel. The NS-37 mission continues this trend, as Blue Origin aims to make space more accessible to the general public.
The significance of this mission extends beyond the thrill of space tourism. It represents a broader trend in the aerospace industry, where private companies are increasingly taking the lead in space exploration and travel. Companies like SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, and Blue Origin are pioneering a new era of commercial spaceflight, which could have far-reaching implications for science, technology, and even global economies.
The inclusion of a passenger with a disability in the NS-37 mission is particularly important as it sets a precedent for future space tourism endeavors. Historically, space travel has been limited to individuals who meet specific physical and health criteria, often excluding those with disabilities. By successfully launching Benthaus into space, Blue Origin could pave the way for more inclusive policies in the aerospace sector, encouraging other companies to consider accessibility in their missions.
The NS-37 mission also comes at a time when public interest in space exploration is at an all-time high. Following high-profile missions by NASA and private companies, there is a growing fascination with the possibilities of space travel. The success of the NS-37 mission could further fuel this interest, potentially leading to increased investment in the space tourism sector and related technologies.
In preparation for the launch, Blue Origin has conducted extensive safety checks and training for the passengers. Each participant has undergone a rigorous selection process, including medical evaluations and safety briefings, to ensure they are well-prepared for the experience. The company has emphasized its commitment to safety, having successfully completed numerous test flights and crewed missions without incident.
As the launch date approaches, Blue Origin has announced that the mission will be live-streamed, allowing audiences worldwide to witness the historic event. This move aligns with the company’s goal of promoting space tourism and engaging the public in the excitement of space exploration.
The NS-37 mission is expected to last approximately 10 minutes, with the crew experiencing a few minutes of weightlessness before descending back to Earth. The spacecraft will utilize parachutes for a safe landing, a method that has been successfully tested in previous missions.
In conclusion, Blue Origin’s upcoming NS-37 mission represents a significant milestone in the commercial space tourism industry. With its focus on inclusivity and accessibility, the mission not only aims to provide a unique experience for its passengers but also seeks to inspire future generations to consider the possibilities of space travel. As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, the implications of such missions could extend far beyond the realm of tourism, influencing technology, policy, and public perception of space exploration.
