Former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos returned to earth aboard a rocket he developed with his space company, Blue Origin, after lifting off from West Texas, where space tourism became a trend for billionaires.
Bezos shouted "Best day ever” when the capsule touched the ground in West Texas after the 10-minute flight.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, which was named after America’s first astronaut, blasted into space on the 52nd anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, a date chosen by Bezos.
On Tuesday, Blue Origin’s capsule reached an altitude of about 66 miles. The 60-foot booster accelerated three times the speed of sound to get the capsule high enough, before separating and landing upright.
Meantime, some internet users have cliticized the rich for throwing huge sums of money on space trips while so many are struggling in the pandemic.
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Bezos’ capsule was completely automated and required no official staff on board for the launch and landing.
Blue Origin, a space company founded by Bezos in 2000, has not disclosed the price of a trip to space but has identified venues for other auctioneers. Bezos said ticket sales, including auction, are close to $100 million.
Company officials said the recycled rocket and capsule used on Tuesday flew in the last two space shows. Two more flights are scheduled by the end of the year.
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"I thank every Amazon employee and every Amazon customer because you guys paid for all of this," Bezos said.
"We're approaching $100 million in private sales already."
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