Blue Origin launches 6 tourists into space after hiatus

VAN HORN, Texas — On Sunday, Blue Origin successfully launched a crew of six into space.

NS-25 carried six customers, CNN reported. The six included Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L. Hess, Carol Schaller, Gopi Thotakura, and former Air Force Capt. Ed Dwight, according to Blue Origin.

The New Shephard rocket and capsule lifted off from Launch Site One around 8:30 a.m. CDT in West Texas, WFTV reported.

We just completed our seventh human spaceflight and the 25th flight for the New Shepard program. Our #NS25 astronaut crew included: Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Ed Dwight, Ken Hess, Carol Schaller, and Gopi Thotakura. Thank you, astronauts! Learn more: https://t.co/4a0UXRy6p6 pic.twitter.com/kzL5GIQSql
— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) May 19, 2024

Dwight, 90, was chosen by President John F. Kennedy back in 1961 to be the country’s first Black astronaut but he never had the chance to go into space until now. According to The Associated Press, the flight was about 10 minutes long and it was something that Dwight called “a life-changing experience.”

“I thought I really didn’t need this in my life,” Dwight said shortly after getting out of the capsule, according to the AP. “But, now, I need it in my life .... I am ecstatic.”

Dwight also set a new record as the oldest person in space. This record was previously set in 2021 by “Star Trek” actor William Shatner, according to the AP. Dwight is about two months older than Shatner.

Sunday’s flight was Blue Origin’s first crew launch is about two years, the AP reported. Blue Origin was grounded after an accident in 2022.

“A big thank you to our astronaut customers for the opportunity to provide this life-changing experience,” said Phil Joyce, Senior Vice President, New Shepard. “Each of you are pioneers helping to advance our mission to build a road to space for the benefit of Earth.”