A close-up photograph of Blue Origin’s New Shepard capsule during a launch on May 19, 2021 in Texas. (Drawing) – AFP
It’s official ! The American Jeff Bezos, wealthy boss of Amazon, revealed on Monday that he would participate in the first space tourist trip organized by his company Blue Origin, created with the aim of lowering the costs of access to space in 2000 Accompanied by his brother Mark and the winner of an auction, he will launch into space aboard the New Shepard capsule.
“Since I was five years old, I have dreamed of traveling in space. On July 20, I will be making this trip with my brother. The greatest adventure, with my best friend, ”wrote the billionaire in a post on his Instagram account. “I didn’t even expect him to say he would be on the first flight,” his brother commented in the video where the two men can be seen hugging.
Up to 100 km altitude
On the day of departure, the rocket will take off vertically and the capsule will separate at about 75 km in height, continuing its trajectory until exceeding 100 km in altitude. Passengers on board will then be able to float in zero gravity for a few minutes and observe the curvature of the space. During this time, the rocket will descend to land gently on a runway, still vertical.
The capsule will then begin a free fall on its own to return to Earth. Braked by three large parachutes and retro rockets, it must land in a desert in West Texas.
Auctions probably boosted by the announcement of the boss of Amazon
According to a Blue Origin statement released on Monday, auctions for this third ticket have reached up to $ 2.8 million. They could go even higher after this announcement from the boss of Amazon. Nearly 6,000 participants from 143 countries participated, the company also specifies, which indicates that the auction will close on June 12.
The funds raised will be donated to the foundation created by Blue Origin, Club for the future, intended in particular to encourage young generations to start careers in the scientific community.