WASHINGTON — Blue Origin successfully launched its third crewed suborbital flight in just two and a half months on June 29, marking a significant milestone for the company. The mission, designated NS-33, took off from Launch Site One in West Texas at 10:40 a.m. Eastern, following two previous launch attempts that were scrubbed due to adverse weather conditions.
The New Shepard vehicle, a cornerstone of Blue Origin’s ambitions for space tourism, carried a diverse group of six passengers, including a married couple and a lawyer facing legal challenges. The booster executed a precise powered landing approximately seven and a half minutes after liftoff, with the capsule descending safely under parachutes three minutes later, having reached a peak altitude of 105 kilometers.
Launch Challenges and Successful Execution
The launch faced initial delays, with attempts on June 21 and June 22 called off due to high winds and unfavorable weather. On the day of the successful launch, Blue Origin postponed liftoff by over an hour, citing cloud cover concerns. Despite these challenges, the mission proceeded smoothly, with the capsule landing closer to the booster than in previous flights, a testament to the vehicle’s improved precision.
Blue Origin utilized drone footage extensively during the webcast to capture the moment the crew exited the capsule, highlighting the company’s adaptability in overcoming operational hurdles. “FYI, our crew capsule landing location today was due to low winds at Launch Site One and within the safety margins of our predicted models,” the company stated on social media post-flight.
Diverse Crew and Controversial Passenger
The NS-33 mission featured a varied crew, including Owolabi Salis, an attorney and financial consultant. Salis’s participation drew attention due to his disbarment in New York in 2022 for filing fraudulent immigration petitions, followed by charges of unlawful practice and client theft. His presence on the flight underscores the diverse backgrounds of those seeking the unique experience of space travel.
Joining Salis were Allie and Carl Kuehner, a married couple with distinct professional backgrounds. Allie Kuehner is known for her work in conservation, while Carl Kuehner serves as chairman of a real estate firm. They are the second couple to fly on a New Shepard mission, following in the footsteps of Marc and Sharon Hagle.
The remaining passengers included Leland Larson, a former CEO of bus companies; Freddie Rescigno, Jr., owner of Commodity Cables; and Jim Sitkin, a retired labor attorney. This eclectic mix of individuals highlights Blue Origin’s appeal across various sectors and personal interests.
Blue Origin’s Strategic Vision
This flight marks the third New Shepard mission in a span of two and a half months, following the NS-31 mission on April 14 and NS-32 on May 31. It is the fifth New Shepard flight this year, including a crewed mission in late February and a payload-only mission simulating lunar gravity in early February.
Blue Origin has not disclosed its launch frequency goals for the year, but the company’s CEO, Dave Limp, emphasized the strong market demand for suborbital flights. At a recent conference, Limp remarked, “There is an insatiable demand out there for human beings who grew up thinking about space and want to get to space, but it’s still very hard to do right now.”
Looking Ahead: Blue Origin’s Expanding Horizons
As Blue Origin continues to refine its suborbital flight capabilities, the company is simultaneously focusing on broader ambitions, including the development of the New Glenn orbital launch vehicle and the Blue Moon lunar lander. These projects are part of Blue Origin’s strategy to establish a significant presence in the commercial space sector.
The successful execution of the NS-33 mission not only reinforces Blue Origin’s operational capabilities but also highlights the growing interest and demand for space tourism. As the company progresses, it will be crucial to balance its suborbital endeavors with its larger-scale projects, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation in the rapidly evolving space industry.
With the increasing frequency of New Shepard flights, Blue Origin is poised to play a pivotal role in making space more accessible to a wider audience, fulfilling the dreams of many who have long aspired to journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
