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Blue Origin Set to Launch NS-25 Mission
Blue Origin is preparing for its first private astronaut spaceflight since 2022, with the NS-25 mission scheduled for this weekend. The company will launch six space tourists aboard its suborbital New Shepard rocket and RSS First Step capsule. The liftoff is set for 9:30 a.m. EDT from Blue Origin’s West Texas spaceport.
The Background
This upcoming NS-25 launch is a significant milestone for Blue Origin, as it marks the company’s return to crewed space missions following a hiatus due to an uncrewed launch failure in September 2022. After conducting an uncrewed science flight in December, Blue Origin is now gearing up for the NS-25 mission, aiming to resume its space tourism operations.
Launch Details
Blue Origin has set the launch time for NS-25 at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Sunday, with the mission taking place at Launch Site One in West Texas. The company advises that the exact launch time may vary on the day of the launch, depending on weather and vehicle conditions. Updates on any timing changes will be provided via Blue Origin’s official communication channels.
If you’re looking to watch the NS-25 launch live online, Blue Origin will be offering a webcast on its NS-25 mission page and YouTube channel. The webcast is scheduled to begin approximately 40 minutes before liftoff, allowing viewers to witness the event in real-time.
Given the 9:30 a.m. EDT target launch time, the live webcast is expected to start at around 8:50 a.m. EDT. Space enthusiasts can also tune in to watch the livestream on Blue Origin’s official website and on Space.com.
Who is on the Mission?
The NS-25 mission will carry six individuals into space, each with their own unique background and motivation for participating in the flight. Among the passengers are:
- Mason Angel: Founder of Industrious Ventures, aims to inspire children and promote STEM education.
- Sylvain Chiron: French entrepreneur and philanthropist with a passion for aviation and nature conservation.
- Ed Dwight: Former U.S. Air Force test pilot and accomplished entrepreneur sponsored by Space for Humanity.
- Kenneth Hess: Entrepreneur and STEM advocate with a focus on K-12 education.
- Carol Schaller: Retired accountant and avid traveler fulfilling a lifelong dream of space travel.
- Gopi Thotakura: Pilot and wellness advocate involved in holistic health initiatives.
These individuals will experience several minutes of weightlessness and spectacular views of Earth during their spaceflight aboard the New Shepard capsule. The mission aims to provide a unique and unforgettable experience for all passengers.
Contingency Plans
In the event that weather conditions or technical issues prevent the NS-25 launch on the scheduled date, Blue Origin may opt to delay the mission for a short period, typically a couple of hours. However, the company has not announced any backup dates for the NS-25 mission at this time.
As the 25th New Shepard launch for Blue Origin, the NS-25 mission represents a significant milestone in the company’s history and its ongoing efforts to make space tourism more accessible.
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