VAN HORN, WEST TEXAS – June 29, 2025 – Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’s private space company, is poised for its latest human spaceflight, Mission NS-33, today, June 29, 2025. This highly anticipated suborbital journey will send six private citizens beyond the Kármán line – the internationally recognized boundary of space – from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One in West Texas. After facing several weather-related delays from its initial June 21 target, the New Shepard rocket is now scheduled for a launch window opening no earlier than 7:30 AM CDT (12:30 UTC). This marks the 13th human flight for the New Shepard program and the 33rd overall flight for the reusable vehicle.

The NS-33 mission is a significant step in Blue Origin’s ongoing efforts to democratize space travel and expand the commercial space tourism market. The flight, an approximately 10 to 12-minute experience, offers passengers a few minutes of exhilarating weightlessness and unparalleled views of Earth against the backdrop of space. The autonomous New Shepard system, consisting of a reusable first-stage booster and a crew capsule, demonstrates Blue Origin’s commitment to reusability and sustainable space operations. After separation, the booster makes an impressive autonomous vertical landing, while the crew capsule descends safely under parachutes in the Texas desert.

Meet the Crew of NS-33

The diverse manifest for NS-33 features six individuals from various backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspectives and aspirations to this extraordinary journey:

• Allie Kuehner and Carl Kuehner (Husband and Wife): Deeply committed to environmental stewardship and conservation, the Kuehners are passionate about protecting natural ecosystems and wildlife. Allie serves on the board of “Nature is Nonpartisan,” a non-profit advocating for bipartisan environmental solutions. Their shared love for exploration and the wild places they work to preserve underpins their desire to experience space.
• Leland Larson: A philanthropist and former CEO of School Bus Services, Inc. and Larson Transportation Services, family-owned businesses focused on public transportation. Larson’s journey to space represents a lifelong dream and a testament to the adventurous spirit.
• Freddie Rescigno, Jr.: An Italian-American entrepreneur and CEO of Commodity Cables, a company he founded in 2001. Rescigno’s interest in space is fueled by a passion for archaeological discoveries, and he is also a competitive amateur golfer.
• Owolabi Salis: An attorney and financial consultant, Salis is the author of “Equitocracy,” a book promoting equity among diverse groups. He is also a key member of The Soul Maker Ministry, advocating for diversity in all aspects of life. Salis has dedicated this mission to victims of discrimination and civil rights violations.
• James (Jim) Sitkin: A retired attorney with a focus on employment law, Sitkin is also a volunteer for a global NGO, facilitating meetings with government and community leaders in Central Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. A lifelong adventurer who has explored seven continents, Sitkin’s dream of space travel was sparked by watching Star Trek as a child.

Each crew member’s unique journey is symbolized on the NS-33 mission patch, with individual symbols connected to the Crew Capsule by thin green lines. The patch also features two green lines circling Earth, representing the horizon and the Kármán line, emphasizing the journey’s connection to our planet and its atmosphere.

A Busy Year for Blue Origin

NS-33 marks Blue Origin’s 13th human spaceflight and its fourth crewed mission in 2025 alone, underscoring the company’s accelerating pace in commercial spaceflight. Earlier this year, Blue Origin successfully completed its NS-30 and NS-32 missions, with NS-31 making headlines in April with its historic all-female crew, including pop star Katy Perry and TV personality Gayle King. These successive flights highlight the increasing regularity and reliability of the New Shepard system for suborbital space tourism.

Beyond its suborbital endeavors, Blue Origin is also making significant strides in its orbital program with the development of its much larger New Glenn rocket. The inaugural test flight of New Glenn from Cape Canaveral earlier this year signaled Blue Origin’s ambitious plans for heavier lift capabilities and deeper space exploration. This dual-track approach, combining suborbital tourism with orbital ambitions, firmly positions Blue Origin as a major contender in the evolving private space race.

The Space Tourism Phenomenon

The increasing frequency of Blue Origin’s crewed flights, alongside other private space companies, signifies the growing momentum of space tourism. What was once the exclusive domain of government-trained astronauts is now becoming accessible to private citizens who can afford the experience. While the cost of a seat on New Shepard remains substantial, the allure of seeing Earth from space and experiencing microgravity continues to draw a diverse range of individuals, from entrepreneurs and philanthropists to artists and adventurers.

These suborbital flights are more than just a luxurious vacation; they offer a profound shift in perspective, often referred to as the “overview effect.” Astronauts and space travelers frequently describe a deep sense of awe, unity, and responsibility for Earth upon seeing it as a fragile blue marble from space. This transformative experience is a key selling point for companies like Blue Origin, as it provides not just a thrill, but a potentially life-altering encounter with the cosmos.

As the NS-33 crew prepares for their brief but impactful journey, the world watches with anticipation. The live webcast of the launch will begin approximately 30 minutes before liftoff on BlueOrigin.com, offering enthusiasts and the public a front-row seat to this latest chapter in commercial spaceflight. With each successful mission, Blue Origin continues to push the boundaries of human space access, making the dream of space travel a reality for more and more people.