A Blue Origin rocket will launch the company’s first private astronaut spaceflight since 2022 this weekend. If you’re hoping to watch live online, you need to know when to watch; But don’t worry, we are here for you.
Blue Origin is currently aiming to launch six space tourists on Sunday, May 19, aboard its suborbital New Shepard rocket and RSS First Step capsule. Scheduled for takeoff 09:30 EDT (8:30 CDT/1330 GMT) from the company’s West Texas spaceport.
The upcoming NS-25 launch is Blue Origin’s first human space mission since August 2022. Flights were halted after the uncrewed launch of New Shepard failed in September 2022. The company resumed flights with the uncrewed NS-24 science flight in December. Here’s when and where to watch Blue Origin’s flight NS-25.
What time will the Blue Origin NS-25 astronaut launch?
Blue Origin is currently targeting 09:30 EDT (1330 GMT) On Sunday, it will launch the company’s six-person NS-25 mission, which will take off from Launch Site One in West Texas near the town of Van Horn. Launch time will be 8:30 local time on the pad.
The exact timing of Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission may change on launch day, as the company says the launch window will open at 9:30 a.m. EDT. This means the company may target a slightly later time in the window depending on weather or vehicle conditions. Blue Origin will likely announce these updates if a scheduling change occurs. via X (formerly Twitter).
Can I watch Blue Origin’s NS-25 launch online?
Yes, you’ll be able to watch Blue Origin’s NS-25 launch online. The company will provide a live webcast on the NS-25 mission page and via the Blue Origin YouTube channel. Blue Origin said the webcast will begin approximately 40 minutes before departure.
Considering that Blue Origin is currently targeting a launch of NS-25 at 9:30 a.m. (EDT), the live webcast should begin around 9:30 a.m. (EDT). 08:50 EDT (1250 GMT/7:50 CDT). You’ll also be able to watch the live broadcast at the top of this page and on Space.com, which will simulcast the launch.
Who is flying Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission?
Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission will launch six people into space; Most of them will purchase their seats for an undisclosed price, but at least one person is flying thanks to sponsorship from nonprofit groups. Here’s a brief look at who flies the NS-25.
-
Mason Angel: Angel is the founder of venture capital fund Industrious Ventures. Blue Origin said it aims to use its flight on NS-25, along with its family’s foundation, to “inspire children and advance partnerships with nonprofits focused on STEM in early education.” He has a dog named Leo, which is short for “Low Earth Orbit.”
-
Sylvain Chiron: Chiron, who lives in Savoy, France, is the founder of Brasserie Mont Blanc, one of France’s largest craft breweries, and a lifelong pilot aviator and skier who earned his pilot’s license when he was 16, according to Blue Origin. He served as a ski instructor and NATO pilot in the French Air Force, earned an MBA at Temple University, studied business in Japan, and focuses on philanthropic work supporting nature conservation and children’s education.
-
Ed Dwight: Dwight, 90, is a former U.S. Air Force test pilot who was selected to attend the Aerospace Research Pilot School in 1961 and was recommended to become an astronaut by the USAF in 1963, but was ultimately not selected. If so, he would be the first Black astronaut. Dwight left the Air Force in 1966 to become a successful entrepreneur and sculptor. His seat in NS-25 is supported by the nonprofit Space for Humanity and the Jaison and Jamie Robinson Foundation.
-
Kenneth Hess: Hess is an entrepreneur and software engineer who developed the Family Tree Maker product line in the 1990s, which was eventually acquired by Ancestry.com in 2003. His nonprofit Science Buddies aims to increase students’ interest in STEM in grades K-12 through hands-on science. and space exploration activities.
-
Carol Schaller: Schaller, of Lumberville, Pennsylvania, is a retired certified public accountant and adventure traveler with a lifelong dream of seeing space. In 2017, his doctor informed him that he would probably go blind, and since then he has traveled to 25 countries; He went on trips to Mount Everest Base Camp, the South Pole, and to see mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest.
-
Gopi Thotakura: Thotakura is the pilot and co-founder of Preserve Life Corp. near Atlanta, described as a “global hub for holistic wellness and hands-on health.” He flies jets commercially and has flown a wide variety of aircraft including aerobatic and seaplanes, gliders, hot air balloons and more. He also served as an international medical jet pilot and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, according to his Blue Origin profile.
Six NS-25 crew members will be launched into space in reclining seats in the New Shepard capsule. Shortly after liftoff, the capsule’s thruster will separate and return to Earth for a vertical descent before it can be used again.
The crew capsule will cruise into space and eventually land by parachute in the West Texas desert. During the journey, NS-25 passengers will experience several minutes of weightlessness and dazzling views of Earth from space through the New Shepard capsule’s large windows.
What if Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission can’t launch on time?
RELATED STORIES:
— Blue Origin says it knows what caused the New Shepard rocket launch to fail
— The future of space tourism
— Black astronauts celebrate ISS and Artemis 2-lunar missions while reflecting on history
While Blue Origin is targeting a 9:30 a.m. EDT liftoff on May 19 for the NS-25 mission, the company may choose to delay or postpone the launch if weather or rocket conditions are not favorable. This means that the launch can happen within a short period of time, usually a few hours after the initial target time.
If bad weather or a glitch prevents New Shepard from launching NS-25 on May 19, Blue Origin could potentially try again on May 19. Monday (May 20) at the same target time depending on the nature of the delay. However, Blue Origin has not publicly disclosed any backup date for this NS-25 mission.
As the name suggests, the NS-25 mission will mark the 25th New Shepard launch for Blue Origin. This is the company’s seventh launch to carry passengers since Blue Origin began astronaut flights in July 2021.