Blue origin Announces NS-37 crew and Launch Date for December 18th Suborbital Flight
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A new wave of “civilians” is preparing for a journey to the edge of space. On December 12th, blue origin announced that its next New Shepard mission, designated NS-37, is scheduled to launch from launch site one in West Texas on december 18th, with a launch window opening at 8:30 U.S. Central Time (22:30 Beijing time). This mission will carry six individuals beyond the Karman Line, the internationally recognized boundary of space.
Expanding Access to Space: Blue Origin’s Continued Progress
With NS-37, Blue Origin will have flown 86 people – representing 80 unique individuals – to space, furthering the company’s goal of broadening access to suborbital flight.The mission badge and crew manifest were unveiled alongside the launch date, offering a glimpse into the diverse backgrounds and motivations of those participating.
Meet the NS-37 Crew
The NS-37 crew embodies a range of experiences and expertise. The flight roster includes:
- Michaela “Michi” Benthaus: An aerospace and electromechanical engineer at the European Space Agency, Benthaus is a dedicated advocate for space accessibility. Despite a spinal cord injury sustained in 2018, she continues to participate in zero-gravity research and wheelchair tennis.
- joey Hyde: A recently retired physicist and quantitative investor, Hyde’s passion for space was ignited by witnessing a Space Shuttle Atlantis launch in 1988. He holds a PhD in astrophysics and hopes to inspire future generations of explorers.
- Hans Koenigsmann: A German-american aerospace engineer with over two decades of experience at SpaceX, Koenigsmann is a veteran of reusable spacecraft advancement. He currently serves as a consultant and director for multiple aerospace firms.
- Neal Milch: A global business executive and entrepreneur, Milch has a lifelong fascination with space exploration, stemming from his childhood watching the Gemini and Apollo programs. he embodies the spirit of “In Omnia Paratus” – be ready for anything.
- Adonis Pouroulis: A mining engineer and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in natural resources, Pouroulis has founded and led several companies focused on critical minerals and sustainable energy.
- Jason Stansell: A space enthusiast and computer scientist from West Texas, Stansell aims to promote science education through his flight experience and dedicates this journey to his brother, Kevin, who passed away in 2016.
Symbolic Significance of the NS-37 Insignia
The NS-37 mission insignia is rich with personal symbolism, reflecting the crew’s individual passions and backgrounds. According to a company release, the design incorporates:
- A DNA pattern representing Neal Milch’s commitment to scientific research.
- A tennis ball pattern symbolizing Michaela benthaus’s beloved hippopotamus doll and her competitive tennis career.
- A Baobab tree representing Adonis Pouroulis’ South african heritage.
- Spiral galaxies corresponding to Joey Hyde’s studies in astrophysics.
- A dog bone,star,and the letter “K” in memory of Jason Stansell’s brother,Kevin.
- A fragmented element symbolizing Blue Origin’s dedication to breaking down barriers to space access – including cost, nationality, and physical ability.
The NS-37 mission represents another step forward in Blue Origin’s ambition to make space travel more accessible and inclusive, carrying a diverse group of individuals united by a shared passion for exploration and discovery.)
