In a bold step toward making space travel as common as commercial flights, Blue Origin just launched six more civilians on a suborbital trip — and brought them back safely. The June 29th flight, codenamed NS-33, was a complete success, further solidifying Jeff Bezos’ space company as a key player in the race to open the final frontier to the public.

Who Went to Space This Time?

A mix of thrill-seekers and first-time astronauts were onboard. Among them were:

• Allie and Carl Kuehner, a married couple marking a truly out-of-this-world date night,
• Jim Sitkin, a San Francisco-based attorney,
• Owolabi Salis, a lawyer and philanthropist,
• Freddie Rescigno Jr., a retired accountant,
• And Leland Melvin Larson, an engineer and tech enthusiast.

Their trip? A high-speed, 10-minute rollercoaster past the Kármán line — the invisible border 100 kilometers above Earth that marks the edge of space.

What Was the Flight Like?

The rocket launched from Van Horn, Texas, pierced the sky, and gave the passengers a few blissful minutes of weightlessness. They floated, smiled, and soaked in the view before their capsule drifted gently back to Earth under parachutes. Meanwhile, the rocket’s booster made a precision landing — again proving that Blue Origin’s reusable tech is no gimmick.

7 Hidden Facts About Blue Origin Most People Don’t Know

1. New Shepard is Named After a Space Legend
   It’s a tribute to Alan Shepard, the first American in space — not just a cool name.
2. Eco-Friendly Engine
   The rocket’s BE-3 engine runs on liquid hydrogen and oxygen, releasing only water vapor. That’s cleaner than most Earth-bound vehicles.
3. Pinpoint Landings are the Norm
   NS-33 achieved one of the most accurate booster landings to date — literally a few feet from the launch pad.
4. Price Tag? Still a Mystery
   Blue Origin keeps quiet about costs, but experts say a ticket is around $500,000+. Want to go? Start saving now.
5. Not Just for Fun
   Blue Origin also flies science payloads, not just people. They’ve even tested lunar tech inside the same capsule.
6. They’ve Flown Nearly 70 People Already
   That’s right — this wasn’t a fluke. The company has been steadily building its resume in the space tourism world.
7. Big Plans Are Already in Motion
   Beyond New Shepard, they’re developing New Glenn (a giant orbital rocket) and Blue Moon, a lunar lander funded by NASA.

💫 What’s the Bigger Picture?

This wasn’t just a joyride — it was a statement. As the 13th crewed mission, NS-33 proves that short trips to space are becoming routine for Blue Origin. Each mission helps fine-tune safety, precision, and public excitement.

Space isn’t the future — it’s happening now. And Blue Origin is making sure we’re all invited.