Blue Origin Launches Crew for Latest Suborbital Journey
On November 22, 2024, Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket took to the skies once again, launching six space tourists on what is now known as the NS-28 mission. The flight, which marked the company’s ninth human spaceflight, lifted off from the company's Launch Site One located near Van Horn, Texas, at precisely 10:30 AM Eastern Time.
This mission exemplified not only Blue Origin's commitment to space tourism but also its innovative approach to providing thrilling experiences to those eager to reach the final frontier. Among the crew were Marc and Sharon Hagle, who made history as the first married couple to fly together on two separate occasions, having previously launched on the NS-20 mission back in March 2022. Another notable participant was Emily Calandrelli, acclaimed for her work as a science communicator and for hosting educational shows such as "Emily's Wonder Lab." Calandrelli’s flight also marked her as the 100th woman to travel to space—a significant milestone celebrated widely across media platforms.
The remaining members of the crew included Austin Litteral, James (J.D.) Russell, and Henry (Hank) Wolfond. Litteral won his spot through a contest held by Whatnot, showcasing the growing interest and accessibility of space travel opportunities. Russell, known for his tech ventures, and Wolfond, who heads Bayshore Capital, rounded out the diverse group of travelers on this cutting-edge flight.
Upon launch, the New Shepard rocket accelerated swiftly, reaching impressive speeds close to three times the speed of sound. Approximately two and half minutes after liftoff, the booster separated from the crew capsule, allowing the astronauts about three minutes of weightlessness. Viewers tuning in to the live-stream were privy to breathtaking images of the earth from the capsule’s expansive windows.
During the weightless period, passengers reveled at the celestial beauty surrounding them, with Calandrelli describing her emotional reaction. “That’s our planet,” she recalled, shedding tears during the descent. "It was just beautiful. Oh my God." Her sentiment echoed among the crew as they experienced the awe of space, coming face to face with the vastness of the universe.
Despite the thrill of the space experience, it’s interesting to note how this flight also marked the 28th launch of the New Shepard program, signaling substantial progress since its early days—Blue Origin began flying crewed missions just three years ago. With this being the second flight within mere weeks following the uncrewed NS-27 mission. Both missions didn’t just show operational consistency but also the increasing demand for suborbital flights.
Once the crew capsule completed its suborbital parabolic arc, it made its way back to Earth, deploying drogue chutes followed by the main parachutes to facilitate a soft landing amid the Texan terrain. This entire process took around 10 minutes from liftoff to touchdown, culminating in yet another successful mission for Blue Origin.
Earlier this month, Blue Origin had alluded to its aspirations to expand flight capacity with future missions, addressing the growing consumer interest for space travel. While ticket prices haven’t been publicized, the engagement of regular competitions like the one Litteral won offers glimpses of how this industry might become more accessible.
Reflecting on what it means to return from such extraordinary journeys, Phil Joyce, Blue Origin’s Senior Vice President for New Shepard, remarked on the significance of these missions not only for participants but also for inspiring future generations. He highlighted the importance of integrating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education and outreach, as those involved share their experiences and insights with wider audiences.
This latest mission is more than just about one flight; it symbolizes the evolution of space tourism and the exciting possibilities on the horizon. With returns like those of the Hagles and Calandrelli becoming more common, the prospect of space travel seems within reach for many, familiarizing the public with the thought of seeing Earth from above.
Whether reminiscing about their time suspended above the earth or contemplating their next adventure, the passengers of NS-28 are certainly part of shaping the future of human space exploration—one flight at a time.
