Blue Origin suspends space tourism

The American space company Blue Origin, founded by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, announced that it will suspend space tourism flights for at least two years in order to focus on the company’s “human spaceflight capabilities for the lunar program,” DPA reported.

“Blue Origin announced today that it will pause New Shepard launches and reallocate resources to further accelerate the development of the company’s human spaceflight capabilities for the lunar program,” according to a company statement.

“The decision reflects Blue Origin’s commitment to the nation’s goal of returning to the Moon and establishing a permanent and sustainable lunar presence,” the statement added.

Blue Origin is involved in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, as a foundation for future missions to Mars, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

Blue Origin has been offering short trips for space tourists since 2021. Bezos himself was one of the passengers on the inaugural human-crewed flight.

According to the company, a total of 98 people have been to space in 38 flights — including singer Katy Perry and actor William Shatner.

Space tourism for wealthy clients has been criticized since its inception for its limited scientific benefits, its negative environmental impact, and its elitist nature. Blue Origin does not officially disclose ticket prices, but estimates place them at several hundred thousand dollars.