New Shepard’s 25th Mission Includes America’s First Black Astronaut Candidate
Blue Origin today revealed the six-person crew flying on its NS-25 mission. The crew includes: Mason Angel, Sylvain
Blue Origin today successfully completed the third human spaceflight - the first with six astronauts on board. The astronaut manifest included, Laura Shepard Churchley, Michael Strahan, Evan Dick, Dylan Taylor, Cameron Bess, and Lane Bess.
The NS-19 crew. Left to right: Dylan Taylor, Lane Bess, Cameron Bess, Laura Shepard Churchley, Michael Strahan, Evan Dick.
“We had a great flight today. This was our sixth flight in what has been a great year for the New Shepard program. We flew 14 astronauts to space, flew a NASA payload flight that tested lunar landing sensors and completed our certification test flights,” said Bob Smith, CEO Blue Origin. “I want to thank our payload customers, our astronauts and, of course, Team Blue for these many important accomplishments. I am so proud to be part of this dedicated and hard-working team that ensures that each and every flight of New Shepard is safe and reliable. And, it’s fun to say that this is just the beginning.”
Blue Origin is planning several crewed and payload flights in 2022. If you are interested in flying on New Shepard, visit our website.
Also available for purchase on the Blue Origin Shop is the commemorative patch from today’s mission and other merchandise, including the signature Michael Strahan Brand Blue Origin hoodie.
In case you missed it you can view a full replay of today’s flight below.
- Gradatim Ferociter
After successful completion of the Flight Readiness Evaluation this morning, the mission operations team has given the “Go” to proceed to launch tomorrow. Liftoff of New Shepard is slated for 8:45 am CST / 14:45 UTC. Weather for the launch is currently favorable.
Today, lead flight director Steve Lanius sat down with webcast host and director of New Shepard mission operations, Laura Stiles, to provide a status update on the NS-19 mission. Check it out.
Live launch coverage of NS-19 begins on BlueOrigin.com at T-90 minutes. Follow Blue Origin on Twitter to stay up to date on all mission details.
- Gradatim Ferociter
Due to forecasted winds on Thursday, December 9 and Friday, December 10, the New Shepard launch team has made the call to delay the launch of NS-19 to Saturday, December 11. Liftoff from Launch Site One is targeted for 8:45am CST / 14:45 UTC.
The team has completed Flight Readiness Review and confirmed the vehicle has met all mission requirements for launch. Astronauts will complete training today and weather remains as the only gating factor for launch.
Live launch coverage of NS-19 begins on BlueOrigin.com at T-90 minutes. Follow Blue Origin on Twitter, to stay up to date on all mission details.
-Gradatim Ferociter