Ohio Man’s Lifelong Dream Takes Flight: Blue Origin Set for 12th Human Spaceflight
The next Blue Origin human spaceflight, dubbed NS-32, is slated to launch this weekend, with a Northeast Ohio man realizing a lifelong dream. Paul Jeris, 65, from Put-in-Bay, will be among the six passengers embarking on this suborbital journey. This mission marks Blue Origin's 12th human spaceflight and 32nd overall mission for the New Shepard vehicle.
Paul Jeris's Journey to Space
Jeris, a real estate developer and entrepreneur, has been captivated by space exploration since childhood. "My father was an engineer for Nasa for 29 years. I grew up a Nasa kid," Jeris shared, highlighting the profound influence of his upbringing on his aspirations. After years on a waitlist, Blue Origin finally called, setting his space dream into motion. He's been undergoing intense training alongside his crewmates at Blue Origin’s facility in Texas, preparing for every possible scenario during the flight.
What to Expect During the Flight
The entire trip will last approximately 10 to 12 minutes, offering a unique experience including zero gravity and panoramic views of Earth. Passengers will feel up to 5 Gs of force and witness the planet from the edge of space. Jeris anticipates the "overview effect," describing the profound experience of seeing Earth's "thin blue line" against the darkness.
Blue Origin's Growing Presence in Space Tourism
Founded by Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin aims to make space accessible to more people. The New Shepard vehicle, named after astronaut Alan Shepard, has already carried 58 individuals to space across 11 previous human spaceflights, including Bezos himself in July 2021. While the exact cost of a seat remains undisclosed, Blue Origin hopes to reduce the price, enabling broader participation in space travel.
Blue Origin's NS-32 mission also includes a diverse group of individuals: Jaime Alemán, a Panamanian businessman, Gretchen Green, a radiologist, Aymette Medina Jorge, a STEM teacher, Mark Rocket, an entrepreneur from New Zealand, and Jesse Williams, a Canadian entrepreneur.
How to Watch the Launch
The NS-32 launch is scheduled for Saturday, May 31st, with a launch window opening at 9:30 a.m. EDT (8:30 a.m. CT). Blue Origin will provide a live webcast on its website, commencing 30 minutes before liftoff. For those in Put-in-Bay, Mr. Ed’s Bar and Grille will be live-streaming the launch, with Jeris promising to buy everyone a drink upon his return.
Commercial spaceflight opens exciting possibilities. Will space tourism become commonplace, and what long-term impacts will it have on our perspective of Earth and our place in the universe?
Share your thoughts on this exciting mission in the comments below!
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