The world is buzzing with anticipation as Blue Origin prepares for its next crewed suborbital spaceflight, Blue Origin NS-32. This mission, a pivotal part of the company’s ambitious New Shepard space tourism program, is set to lift off today, Saturday, May 31, 2025, from Launch Site One in West Texas. The launch window opened at 8:30 AM CDT (13:30 UTC), and excitement is palpable as six new adventurers prepare to experience the thrill of space. This twelfth human flight for the New Shepard program promises to be another landmark event, continuing Blue Origin’s vision of making space accessible to a broader range of individuals.
The New Shepard system, named after Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American in space, represents a leap forward in reusable rocket technology. It’s designed to provide a brief but profound journey to the edge of space, allowing passengers to cross the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space at 100 kilometers (62 miles) above Earth. During this roughly 11-minute flight, occupants will experience several minutes of exhilarating weightlessness and witness breathtaking views of our planet against the blackness of space through the capsule’s large panoramic windows. This experience is not just for thrill-seekers; it also offers a unique platform for scientific research and educational outreach, fostering a deeper connection with the cosmos.
Meet the Trailblazing Crew of Blue Origin NS-32
The crew for Blue Origin NS-32 is a diverse group of individuals, each bringing their unique passions and accomplishments to this extraordinary journey. Their stories highlight the expanding accessibility of space travel and the varied motivations that draw people beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
- Aymette (Amy) Medina Jorge: A high school and middle school STEM teacher from Galveston, Texas, Amy has tirelessly worked to inspire the next generation. She’s led over 60 space experiments and zero-gravity projects, including in-flight 3D printing and biometric sensor tests. Born in Puerto Rico, Amy’s flight, sponsored by Farmacias Similares, a Mexican company dedicated to social impact, underscores her commitment to increasing Hispanic representation in STEM fields. She was also the recipient of the 2023 AIAA and Challenger Center Trailblazing STEM Educator Award.
- Dr. Gretchen Green: With over 20 years of experience as a radiologist specializing in women’s imaging, Dr. Green is also a lifelong space enthusiast. She attended Space Camp in 1986, later becoming a Crew Trainer and chairing the Space Camp Alumni Association. Her journey to the North Pole in 2022 and her extensive background in education and entrepreneurship reflect her adventurous spirit and dedication to empowering others.
- Jaime Alemán: A Panamanian attorney, businessman, and former ambassador to the United States, Jaime Alemán is a true global adventurer. This flight will mark a remarkable achievement for him, as he is set to become the first person to travel to all 193 U.N.-recognized countries, both the North and South Poles, and outer space. His journey exemplifies a profound dedication to exploration and personal challenge.
- Jesse Williams: A Canadian entrepreneur and adventurer, Jesse Williams has summited six of the seven highest peaks on Earth, including Mount Everest. His passion for cycling and climbing mountains showcases a relentless pursuit of new horizons, a drive that now extends into the realm of space.
- Mark Rocket: An entrepreneur and technology leader from Christchurch, New Zealand, Mark Rocket is the CEO of Kea Aerospace and the president of Aerospace New Zealand. His participation highlights the growing international interest and involvement in commercial space endeavors.
- Paul Jeris: While less public information is available about Paul Jeris, his inclusion on this flight reinforces the appeal of space travel to individuals from various backgrounds, united by a shared curiosity and desire to experience the ultimate adventure.
Each crew member’s unique background contributes to the rich tapestry of human exploration, demonstrating that the dream of spaceflight is no longer confined to professional astronauts.
The New Shepard Program: Paving the Way for Space Tourism
The New Shepard program, with missions like Blue Origin NS-32, is at the forefront of the burgeoning space tourism industry. Since its first crewed mission in July 2021, which included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos himself, the New Shepard spacecraft has successfully carried 58 individuals to space. This systematic approach, marked by a commitment to safety and reusability, is gradually transforming space travel from an exclusive government-led endeavor into a commercial reality.
Blue Origin’s focus on reusability is a cornerstone of the New Shepard design. The entire system, including the booster and the crew capsule, is engineered for repeated use, significantly reducing the cost of access to space. The BE-3PM engine, fueled by liquid oxygen and hydrogen, produces only water vapor as a byproduct during combustion, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. This emphasis on sustainability positions Blue Origin as a leader in responsible space exploration, building a future where humanity can thrive in and beyond Earth’s orbit.
The success of previous missions, including the recent NS-31 flight which carried an all-female crew including pop superstar Katy Perry and journalist Gayle King, underscores the reliability and safety of the New Shepard system. Each flight provides invaluable data and experience, continuously refining the vehicle and operations for future missions. The goal is to create a robust and routine path to space, enabling “millions of people living and working in space,” as Blue Origin envisions.
The launch of Blue Origin NS-32 marks another significant milestone in this journey. It’s a testament to the dedication of the Blue Origin team and the growing desire among individuals to venture beyond our terrestrial confines. These brief yet impactful journeys offer a transformative perspective, fostering a deeper appreciation for Earth and inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Ready to embark on your own journey of discovery? Explore the possibilities of space travel and learn more about Blue Origin’s New Shepard program to see how you can be part of humanity’s exciting future in space.