Tech

World’s richest man blasts off into new era for space tourism

Published

4 years ago

July 20, 2021

What do a fireman, an 82-year old and a teenage tourist all have in common? They’ve just blasted off into space with the world’s richest man

Just minutes ago, Amazon founder and billionaire Jeff Bezos blasted into space. If successful, the historic spaceflight will be the first time ever that humans will go to space without anyone flying the ship.

The New Shepard spacecraft is entirely automated, in what Bezos will hope be a turning point for the future of space tourism.

“We’ve been training. This vehicle’s ready, this crew is ready, this team is amazing. We just feel really good about it,” said Bezos.

#NewShepard’s flight profile lasts approximately 11 minutes from launch to capsule landing. Astronauts will experience three to four minutes of zero-g and travel above the Kármán Line, the internationally recognized boundary of space.
— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) July 20, 2021

The future of space tourism

Not only will the flight be a momentous occasion for Amazon’s billionaire, but also for the future of space tourism.

Unlike traditional spacecraft, these rockets can be used more than just the one time.

Similar to rival billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic and Elon Musk’s Space-X, sustainability is at the core of Blue Origin.

Following today’s mission, crew member Wally Funk, 82, will be the oldest person to have flown in space. And Oliver Daemen, 18, will be the youngest.
— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) July 20, 2021

Bezos fulfils a childhood dream

Bezos has been dreaming of going to space for his whole life.

“To see the Earth from space, it changes you. It changes your relationship with this planet, with humanity,” he said.

“I’m excited. People keep asking me if I’m nervous. I’m not really nervous, I’m curious. I want to know what we’re going to learn.”
Jeff Bezos, founder of amazon

Where can you watch the Blue Origin launch?

The New Shepard launch will be live-streamed from 9:30 pm AEST on the Blue Origin website, with the launch (weather permitting) planned for 11 pm.

Who will be onboard The New Shepard?

This space flight won’t be manned by your usual astronauts.

In fact, the crew includes a female trailblazer pilot, who also happens to be the oldest person to ever go to space.

Wally Funk was one of the 13 female pilots who trained to go to space in the 60s’. She missed the chance back then because she’s a woman.

“It’s going to happen! I’ve waited a long time and I’ve dreamed a long time to get to go up.”
Wally Funk

Oliver Daemen also happens to be the son of Joes Daemen. Joes in the founder & CEO of Netherlands-based private equity firm Somerset Capital Partners.

Also aboard will be the youngest person to ever go to space, a teenager from Denmark. He nabbed the spot largely by luck – an anonymous buyer originally had the spot.

The buyer, who paid $28M for the spot, opted out of the flight due to a “scheduling conflict”.

Of course, billionaire Jeff Bezos will also be joining them, and he’s bringing his little brother Mark along for the ride too. When he’s down in earth, Mark is usually a firefighter.

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Natasha Schapova

Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.

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Tech

Global memory chip shortage set to drive electronics prices higher

Global memory chip shortage raises electronics prices; impacts PCs, smartphones, and likely continues until 2026.

Published

2 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Global memory chip shortage raises electronics prices; impacts PCs, smartphones, and likely continues until 2026.

A severe global shortage of memory chips is sending shockwaves through the electronics industry, causing prices to rise across consumer devices. Experts warn that this shortage will continue until at least 2026, affecting everything from PCs to smartphones.

Major manufacturers, including Samsung Electronics, have reported record profits but caution that rising memory chip prices could put further pressure on the sector. This shortage is largely driven by AI technology demands, forcing companies to rethink production priorities.

Consumers should expect higher costs for electronics in the coming months, with price increases likely to continue through the end of 2026.

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#ChipShortage #ElectronicsPrices #SamsungNews #AIChips #TechIndustry #PCPriceHike #SmartphoneCosts #TickerNews

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CES 2026 Highlights: AI, robotics, and the future of innovation

CES 2026 explores AI, robotics, and sustainability, reshaping the global economy and redefining productivity and market dynamics.

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Harvey Vargas

CES 2026 explores AI, robotics, and sustainability, reshaping the global economy and redefining productivity and market dynamics

CES 2026 in Las Vegas is showing how technology is not just shaping consumer products but redefining the global economy. From AI breakthroughs to robotics innovations, the event highlights how new technologies are changing the way we work, move, and invest.

Brad Gastwirth from Circular Technologies joins us to share his insights on the biggest trends driving this transformation.

The event underscores the growing role of AI in shaping both market dynamics and consumer demand patterns, signalling a new era of innovation.

Robotics, mobility, and sustainability are also at the forefront. From real-time AI-driven mobility tech to energy-efficient computing, CES demonstrates how emerging technologies are integrating across sectors. Brad discusses the intersections of technology, sustainability, and capital expenditure, revealing how these trends are set to reshape productivity paradigms and sector leadership in the coming years.

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#CES2026 #AIRevolution #Robotics #Innovation #MobilityTech #SustainableTech #TechTrends #TickerNews

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CES 2026 opens with AI powering the future of tech

AI dominates CES 2026 in Las Vegas, shaping future tech with smarter, personalized products for everyday use.

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Harvey Vargas

AI dominates CES 2026 in Las Vegas, shaping future tech with smarter, personalized products for everyday use.

The annual Consumer Electronics Show has officially opened in Las Vegas, with artificial intelligence taking centre stage across nearly every major product category on display. From consumer gadgets to enterprise tools, AI is shaping how technology is designed, used and experienced.

Major tech companies are showcasing smarter, faster and more personalised products, highlighting how AI is moving beyond concepts and into everyday applications. The focus this year is on practicality, efficiency, and seamless integration into daily life.

As CES continues, the event is setting the tone for where technology is heading in 2026, with AI no longer an add-on but a foundation for innovation.

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#CES2026 #ArtificialIntelligence #TechNews #Innovation #FutureTech #LasVegas #AIRevolution #Ticker