NEW SHEPHARD

Source: IndiaToday

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

• Blue Origin has partnered with the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) to provide common Indian citizens the opportunity to experience space travel.
• This initiative follows nearly three years of successful tourism flights.

Details

• Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft, led by Jeff Bezos, is a suborbital space travel vehicle offering a unique experience for both scientific research and space tourism.
• Named after Alan Shepard, the first American in space, New Shepard is designed for brief but remarkable journeys beyond the Karman Line, the boundary between Earth and space.
• New Shepard also serves as a platform for scientific research, carrying numerous payloads for organizations including NASA, schools, and universities.
• This dual-purpose capability makes it essential for advancing space exploration and research.
• First Human Mission:July 2021, including Jeff Bezos
• Recent Mission:NS-25 on May 19, 2024, marking the seventh human spaceflight for Blue Origin

Spacecraft Components

• Reusable Booster:
  • Launches the crew capsule into space
  • Designed for multiple uses, enhancing cost-effectiveness and sustainability
• Crew Capsule:
  • Capacity:Accommodates six passengers
  • Features:Largest windows ever flown in space, providing unparalleled views
  • Safety:Equipped with parachutes for controlled descent back to Earth

Sources:

IndiaToday

PRACTICE QUESTION Q: Evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of space tourism. Discuss the role of private companies in advancing space tourism and the implications for the future of space exploration and international cooperation. (250 Words)