Kent-based Blue Origin successfully completed its 38th flight for the New Shepard program and 17th human spaceflight on Jan. 22.
It was the first flight of 2026 for the program. Blue Origin launches the rockets from its West Texas site. New Shepard has flown 98 people (92 individuals, some have flown more than once) into space.
The six-member crew included Tim Drexler, Dr. Linda Edwards, Alain Fernandez, Alberto Gutiérrez, Jim Hendren and Laura Stiles.
“As we enter 2026, we’re focused on continuing to deliver transformational experiences for our customers through the proven capability and reliability of New Shepard,” said Phil Joyce, New Shepard senior vice president. “We are grateful for our astronaut customers who put their trust in our team to bring this experience into reality.”
New Shepard is foundational in enabling Blue Origin’s vision of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, according to the company.
“As our first operational human spaceflight system, it enables us to develop and validate the core reusable technologies, operational procedures, and safety systems that support all Blue Origin programs,” according to Blue Origin. “Every flight makes space more accessible while building the manufacturing expertise, operational cadence, and proven capabilities in support of our mission to build a road to space.”
The flight goes above the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. The flight lasts about 10 minutes traveling approximately 62 miles into space and reaching speeds of up t0 2,238 mph.
Blue Origin charges people to fly into space, but does not reveal the prices. Some people receive sponsored flights. A refundable deposit of $150,000 is required to start the process to book a flight, according to the company’s website.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos started Blue Origin in Kent in 2000. The company manufactures and operates rocket engines, reusable launch vehicles, lunar landers and satellite systems.
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