Blue Origin

Discovering Blue Origin: A Pioneer in Suborbital Space Tourism

Founded in 2000 by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin has become one of the most recognizable names in commercial spaceflight. With a clear mission to build a future where millions of people live and work in space, Blue Origin is not just focused on exploration—it’s actively working to make space accessible through its flagship space tourism offering: New Shepard.

Blue Origin stands out by offering fully automated suborbital spaceflights, reusable rocket technology, and a distinctive capsule design that prioritizes passenger comfort. It has already carried astronauts and paying tourists to the edge of space, and continues to lead innovation in suborbital experiences.

Fast Facts About Blue Origin

• Founded: 2000

• Founder: Jeff Bezos

• Headquarters: Kent, Washington

• First Human Flight: July 20, 2021 (NS-16)

• Primary Vehicle: New Shepard (suborbital)

• Flight Duration: ~11 minutes total

• Apogee (Altitude): ~107 km (66 miles)

• Status: Actively flying commercial passengers

What Makes Blue Origin Unique?

Fully Autonomous Flights
Unlike other spaceflight providers that require a pilot, Blue Origin’s New Shepard capsule is entirely autonomous. There’s no flight crew onboard—every mission is controlled from the ground.

Reusability as a Core Principle
The company has long championed reusable space vehicles. The New Shepard rocket booster and capsule are both designed to be used repeatedly, improving cost efficiency and reducing waste in aerospace.

Large Panoramic Windows
Each passenger enjoys an extraordinary view of Earth through the largest windows ever flown in space—a feature that distinguishes Blue Origin from competitors.

Comfort and Safety
Blue Origin emphasizes comfort, with reclining seats, ample cabin space, and a smooth ascent and descent. The capsule’s design ensures every seat has a window, and onboard cameras let passengers record their journey.

Focus on Legacy and Inspiration
Every Blue Origin rocket carries the motto Gradatim Ferociter—“Step by Step, Ferociously.” Their first crewed flight included aviation pioneer Wally Funk, making history for women in space.

The Blue Origin Flight Experience

Liftoff: Vertical launch from West Texas
Max Speed: Over 3,700 km/h
Microgravity: 3–4 minutes of weightlessness
Apogee: ~107 km (crossing the Kármán line)
Descent: Parachute-assisted landing with retro-thrusters
Total Duration: ~11 minutes

During the flight, passengers can unbuckle and float inside the capsule. The views of Earth and the sensation of weightlessness are often described as awe-inspiring.

How Much Does It Cost to Fly With Blue Origin?

Blue Origin has not publicly listed ticket prices, but estimates suggest a range between $250,000 and $500,000 USD per seat. Some early flights may have included higher prices due to auctioned seats, media coverage, or exclusive access.

This pricing is comparable to Virgin Galactic. However, Blue Origin’s higher altitude and autonomous system offer a different kind of space tourism experience.

Who Can Fly With Blue Origin?

Medical Requirements:
There are no extreme medical prerequisites, but there are basic physical requirements:

• Height: 5’0″ to 6’4″

• Weight: 110 to 223 pounds (50 to 101 kg)

• Ability to climb the launch tower and return in 90 seconds

• Must withstand 3 Gs during ascent and 5.5 Gs during descent

Training Program:
Training is completed over two days at Blue Origin’s West Texas facility:

• Mission briefing

• Safety drills and capsule ingress/egress practice

• Zero-gravity familiarization

• Emergency protocols and comms procedures

• Legal waivers and expectations review

Notable Flights and Passengers

Blue Origin’s missions have included celebrities, pioneers, and everyday civilians:

• Jeff Bezos – First crewed mission

• Wally Funk – Aviation pioneer and member of Mercury 13

• William Shatner – Oldest person in space, aged 90

• Michael Strahan – NFL star and TV personality

• “Everyday” passengers – Entrepreneurs, educators, and scientists

These missions highlight Blue Origin’s commitment to making space accessible, not just for elites.

Comparison With Other Providers

Blue Origin offers a unique advantage with its fully autonomous flights, highest suborbital altitude, and short training time. This appeals to travelers who want a powerful space experience without the extended commitments of orbital missions.

What’s Next for Blue Origin?

Blue Origin’s ambitions go far beyond short suborbital hops. Its long-term roadmap includes:

• New Glenn: A heavy-lift reusable rocket capable of orbital flights

• Blue Moon: A lunar lander designed to support NASA’s Artemis program

• Orbital Reef: A commercial space station designed in partnership with Sierra Space and Boeing

Their goal? A long-term, sustainable human presence in space—not just for scientists or astronauts, but for civilians, researchers, and entrepreneurs.

Booking a Flight With Blue Origin

Booking is by invitation or application. While there’s no open ticket portal, you can register interest at the official site: https://www.blueorigin.com

Keep an eye on Blue Origin’s press releases and news for updates. As demand and supply evolve, they may broaden access and availability.

Learn More

Explore our Comparison of Space Tourism Companies or read about Suborbital Flights to see how Blue Origin stacks up against competitors. Also visit What to Expect on a Space Tour for a deeper look at the experience.

External sources for deeper reading:

• Blue Origin Official Website

• NASA Artemis Program