After Amazon, Jeff Bezos Will Head Off To Outer Space

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced that after his stint at Amazon, his next stop is much higher: Outer Space. Soon as he steps down from his role as Amazon CEO on July 5, the 57-year old  Bezos plans to suit up and travel to outer space. He will join the rest of Blue Origin’s first outer space flight crew.

In an Instagram post, Bezos said he will join the first batch of inaugural passengers on Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft.

The space company’s first crewed flight is getting ready for its July 20 launch, 15 days after Bezos steps down from his online retail creation.

The flight date, July 20, also marks the 52nd anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Joining him on this historic flight is his brother, Mark

scheduled for launch from West Texas on July 20. Mr. Bezos, 57 years old, said that his brother, Mark Bezos, will also be on board. An ongoing auction will determine the third passenger for the flight. Currently, the bid stands at $2.8 million, with five days remaining. 

RELATED: Jeff Bezos To Step Down from Amazon On July 5

Blue Origin’s First Passenger Flight

Bezos apparently had aspirations to fly off into outer space. In a video post, Jeff shared his excitement in living his dream. “I want to go on this flight because it’s the thing I’ve wanted to do all my life,” Bezos said.

Mark Bezos also appeared in the video and shared his enthusiasm. “I wasn’t even expecting him to say that he was going to be on the first flight. What a remarkable opportunity, not only to have this adventure but to do it with my best friend.”

The company’s space tourism system New Shepard features a rocket that carries a capsule to the edge of space. The rocket flew more than a dozen successful test flights, including one in April at the company’s Texas facility. However, they have yet to include passengers on board. 

New Shepard Brings Tourists To Outer Space

New Shepard is designed to carry up to six people on a ride past the edge of space. Previous flights allowed the capsules to reach an altitude of more than 340,000 feet or 100 kilometers.

Each capsule features massive windows that provide an unimpeded view of outer space. Each flight will spend a few minutes in zero gravity before going back to Earth.

Bezos founded Blue Origin in 2000 and continues to wholly own the company. He funds it using proceeds from sales of Amazon stock he owns. “To see the Earth from space, it changes you,” the elder Bezos said.“It’s an adventure; it’s a big deal for me.”

Passenger Requirements

Prospective space tourists such as the Bezos brothers will need three days of training before receiving the go-ahead to travel into outer space. Once aboard, passengers should expect to travel at three times the speed of sound and endure three times the force of gravity during the flight. Experts say that this is comparable to the G-force of roller coasters. 

In addition, passengers should be able to dress in a one-piece flight suit. More importantly, they must have the strength to climb the New Shepard’s launch tower (around seven stories) in under 90 seconds.

They must also sign a consent form about the flight’s risks as required by the Federal Aviation Administration. Finally, they will need to waive their right to sue Blue Origin in case of any untoward incidents.

Watch The Young Turks reporting that Jeff Bezos will become the richest man off Earth:

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Do you want to fly into outer space? When space tourism takes off, will you line up to get a seat?

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