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

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.

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.

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.