Blue Origin launches crypto billionaire Justin Sun into space

Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin will launch Justin Sun, the billionaire founder of the blockchain platform Tron, and five others to suborbital space today.

Blue Origin launches Justin Sun and five others into suborbital space

Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin is set to launch a mission named NS-34 today, featuring Justin Sun, a crypto billionaire, among other passengers. The launch from a Texas spaceport is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. EDT, with live streaming available on Blue Origin's website. Sun, who previously won a $28 million auction for a seat on Blue Origin's first human flight, missed that opportunity due to scheduling conflicts. Alongside him, five spaceflight novices will take a journey lasting about 10 to 12 minutes, experiencing weightlessness and crossing the Kármán line, the boundary of space. The cost of tickets for this journey remains undisclosed, but it is expected to be more accessible than the hefty price Sun once paid, which also supported various space-related charities.

Justin Sun's participation in Blue Origin's NS-34 mission highlights the growing intersection of technology and space tourism, especially among billionaires eager to explore beyond Earth. As space travel becomes more commercialized, one has to consider not only the thrill of such journeys but also the ethical implications of who can afford to go to space. Sun, alongside other passengers, represents a broader trend where wealth translates into unprecedented experiences. The philanthropic aspect of his previous bid adds another layer, as funds went to charitable causes aimed at inspiring a new generation in STEAM fields. This may encourage other successful entrepreneurs to invest in the future of space exploration, raising questions about accessibility and equity in this new frontier.

Highlights

The growth of space tourism may redefine access to the cosmos.