Blue Origin has made headlines again. On June 29, 2025, the private aerospace company launched its 13th human spaceflight, called NS-33. This space tourism flight wasn’t just another mission — it made history.

The reusable New Shepard rocket carried six civilians beyond the Kármán line, marking a major milestone in the era of commercial space travel.

Blue Origin Launches NS-33 Mission from Texas

At around 9:38 a.m. CDT, the New Shepard spacecraft took off from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One in West Texas. The launch had been delayed twice due to weather conditions, but the third attempt went perfectly.

Within minutes, the capsule crossed the Kármán line — the 100 km boundary of space — offering the six passengers a few minutes of weightlessness.

Both the reusable rocket booster and capsule returned safely to Earth, marking another fully successful mission for Blue Origin.

Civilian Astronauts on Blue Origin’s NS-33 Spaceflight

This space tourism flight carried six civilians, showing how accessible space is becoming for non-professional astronauts.

Carl and Allie Kuehner
A couple flying together, they became the second married pair to go to space on a Blue Origin mission.

Leland Melvin Larson
A business leader and philanthropist, Larson joined the mission to support private space innovation.

Freddie Rescigno Jr.
A well-known entrepreneur and athlete, Rescigno described the zero-gravity experience as “beyond words.”

Jim Sitkin
A practicing attorney, Sitkin said the view of Earth changed his entire perspective on life.

Chief Owolabi Salis
The most historic passenger on board. Salis became the first Nigerian to fly to space, representing Africa in the new age of civilian space travel.

Blue Origin’s NS-33 Mission Breaks Records in Space Tourism

The NS-33 launch broke several records for Blue Origin and commercial spaceflight.

It was the 13th successful crewed New Shepard mission
Brought Blue Origin’s total passenger count to 70
Marked the 750th person globally to enter space
Included Blue Origin’s first African space traveler
Demonstrated the reliability of the company’s reusable launch system

These achievements are proof that private spaceflight is growing stronger and more inclusive.

Inside the New Shepard Suborbital Journey

During the flight, the capsule reached a peak altitude of about 105 km, well beyond the Kármán line. Passengers floated freely for several minutes, enjoying zero gravity and views of Earth from space.

Large panoramic windows gave each passenger a stunning look at the planet below. The descent was smooth, with parachutes slowing the capsule before it landed gently in the Texas desert.

This type of suborbital space tourism allows regular people to experience space without orbiting Earth.

Blue Origin Expands Commercial Space Travel with NS-33

Each successful flight shows how space tourism is no longer a dream. Blue Origin has already sent celebrities, businesspeople, educators, and now people from around the world into space.

This mission proved that commercial launches can be routine and reliable. The diversity of passengers — from different professions and backgrounds — also shows a future where anyone can reach space.

Blue Origin is now preparing for its next mission, NS-34, with even more ambitious plans.

What’s Next for Blue Origin After NS-33?

While New Shepard focuses on suborbital trips, Blue Origin’s upcoming New Glenn rocket is being developed for orbital missions. The company also aims to support NASA’s Artemis program and future lunar missions.

NS-33’s success gives Blue Origin momentum to

Expand its space tourism program
Lower ticket costs in the long run
Increase accessibility for educators, researchers, and explorers

The company’s long-term vision is simple but bold: make space travel accessible for everyone

Blue Origin’s 13th Human Spaceflight

The NS-33 mission wasn’t just about six tourists in space. It was about progress, innovation, and opening doors for civilians in a new space age.

With every successful mission, Blue Origin is proving that space is no longer just for astronauts. It’s for dreamers, innovators, and people from all over the world.

The journey to space is becoming a reality and Blue Origin is helping lead the way.