Blue Origin is preparing for its upcoming space tourism flight, the New Shepard mission NS-32, which will take place today, May 31. This mission marks a significant milestone as it is the 12th human flight in the New Shepard program and the 32nd mission overall for this suborbital vehicle. The launch is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. EDT (1330 GMT) from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One in West Texas.
Viewers can catch the livestream of the launch, which will commence 30 minutes before liftoff on Blue Origin’s website, as well as on YouTube and Blue Origin’s X account. The broadcast will feature commentary and updates about the mission, along with details about the astronauts on board.
The NS-32 crew is diverse and accomplished, comprising entrepreneurs, professionals, and a science educator. Among the passengers are Aymette Medina Jorge, a STEM advocate; Dr. Gretchen Green, a dedicated radiologist with a passion for space; and Jaime Alemán, an adventurous former ambassador who has explored all 193 U.N.-recognized countries. Other notable crew members include Jesse Williams, an experienced mountaineer who has summited Mt. Everest; Mark Rocket, an aerospace entrepreneur poised to be the first New Zealander in space; and Paul Jeris, a lifelong traveler inspired by his NASA engineer father.
This mission will take the six passengers on an approximately 11-minute journey beyond the Kármán line, which defines the boundary of space at 62 miles (100 kilometers) above Earth. Post-liftoff, the capsule will detach from the rocket booster and allow the crew to experience several minutes of weightlessness and stunning views of Earth through large panoramic windows before returning safely to land in Texas under parachutes.
The excitement around space tourism is growing, and missions like NS-32 highlight the potential for accessible space exploration, bringing dreams of reaching the stars closer to reality for a wider audience.