Blue Origin Sends Crypto Billionaire Justin Sun, 35, to Space
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Blue Origin, the space technology company founded by Jeff Bezos, successfully launched another crew into space. The latest crew included cryptocurrency billionaire Justin Sun, who secured his seat on the rocket with a winning bid of $28 million. This mission, known as NS-34, marked the 34th flight for Blue Origin’s New Shepard program, as reported on the company’s website.
The crew, which consisted of Sun along with real estate investor Arvi Bahal, Turkish businessman Gökhan Erdem, meteorologist Deborah Martorell, educator Lionel Pitchford, and entrepreneur J.D. Russell, embarked on their journey from West Texas on the New Shepard rocket. The launch took place at 8:43 a.m. local time, and within minutes, the crew experienced weightlessness as the capsule separated from the rocket.
Following a total of 10 minutes, the crew safely landed back on Earth at 8:53 a.m. The successful completion of the mission marked Blue Origin’s 14th human spaceflight. Sun, who had won the bid for his seat back in 2021, expressed his reflections on the experience in an Instagram interview, emphasising the significance of viewing Earth from space and the need to protect our planet.
The New Shepard rocket, described as a fully reusable suborbital rocket system designed for human flight, offers passengers a unique experience as it takes them past the Kármán line into space. Previous notable passengers on this spacecraft include singer Katy Perry, broadcast journalist Gayle King, and philanthropist Lauren Sánchez, who embarked on a historic all-female flight on the New Shepard.
Sun, known for his involvement in the cryptocurrency community, made headlines not just for his space journey but also for his acquisition of a viral artwork depicting a banana duct-taped to a wall. His diverse interests and investments reflect a multi-faceted approach to innovation and exploration.
As Blue Origin continues to expand its reach into space tourism, each new mission brings a fresh perspective on our planet and the importance of preserving it. With more individuals like Justin Sun experiencing the awe-inspiring views from space, the call to protect Earth grows stronger.
With technology advancing rapidly and space exploration becoming more accessible, the possibilities for civilians to venture beyond our planet are becoming a reality. Blue Origin’s missions serve as a reminder of the potential for humans to explore and appreciate the beauty of space while also highlighting the fragility of our home planet.
As we look towards the future of space travel, the combination of private companies like Blue Origin and visionary individuals such as Justin Sun paves the way for further innovation and discovery. The journey to space offers not only a chance for personal growth and reflection but also a shared experience that unites people from different backgrounds and nations in a common goal of exploration and preservation.