Get ready for liftoff! Blue Origin is preparing for its ninth human spaceflight, NS-28, a momentous occasion that will send six private citizens on an unforgettable 10-minute suborbital adventure. This exciting mission marks a significant step in the burgeoning field of commercial space travel, offering a unique opportunity for civilians to experience the wonders of weightlessness and gaze upon the breathtaking curvature of Earth from the edge of space.
Leading this extraordinary crew is Emily Calandrelli, the renowned science communicator affectionately known as “The Space Gal.” A graduate of the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Calandrelli has captivated audiences worldwide with her engaging science shows on Netflix and YouTube. Her presence on NS-28 promises to further inspire a new generation of space enthusiasts.
Joining Calandrelli on this incredible journey are five other remarkable individuals, each with their own unique story and motivations for venturing into the cosmos:
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Sharon and Marc Hagle:
This married couple is making a return trip to space, having previously flown on the NS-20 mission in 2022. Sharon, founder of the SpaceKids Global science education nonprofit, is dedicated to fostering a love of space exploration in children, while Marc is a successful property developer.*
Austin Litteral:
A lucky winner of a unique giveaway, Litteral’s flight represents a dream come true for many aspiring space travelers. His presence on NS-28 underscores the increasing accessibility of space tourism.*
James (J.D.) Russell:
Founder of the Victoria Russell Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting children’s education, Russell’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of space exploration and its potential to inspire future generations.*
Henry (Hank) Wolfond:
A seasoned pilot with extensive experience in both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, Wolfond brings a wealth of aviation expertise to the crew.The mission patch itself tells a captivating story, reflecting the unique personalities and aspirations of each crew member. The pink color and overalls represent Emily Calandrelli; the centerline in the “2” symbolizes the Hagles’ second flight; the stars represent Litteral’s vision; the figures at the bottom represent Russell’s hope for future generations; and the wolf in the capsule’s window represents Wolfond. It’s a beautiful representation of the diverse individuals coming together for this monumental event.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard program has already achieved remarkable milestones, having flown 43 humans above the Kármán line – the internationally recognized boundary of space – across 28 previous missions. While the precise definition of “space travel” remains a subject of debate, there’s no denying the incredible experience these passengers will have, experiencing weightlessness and witnessing the breathtaking beauty of Earth from a unique perspective.
Follow the launch live on YouTube and witness this historic moment as these six extraordinary individuals embark on their unforgettable journey to the edge of space. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of history in the making!
