Justin Sun, the founder of the blockchain platform TRON, was one of six crew members on the NS-34 mission organized by Blue Origin as part of its New Shepard program. For the ten-minute flight into space, Sun paid $28 million, making him one of the most expensive space tourists in the world.
This is reported by Business • Media
Details of the NS-34 Mission
The flight took place in West Texas: the launch occurred at 7:43 AM local time. Three minutes after liftoff, the capsule with six crew members separated from the rocket, allowing the passengers to experience weightlessness. At 7:53 AM, Blue Origin confirmed the successful landing of the crew back on Earth.
In addition to Justin Sun, the flight included JD Russell, founder of the venture firm Alpha Funds, entrepreneur Gokhan Erdem, real estate investor Arvi Bahal, meteorologist Deborah Martorell, and philanthropist Lionel Pitchford.
“I waited for this for four years, and it finally happened. I am grateful to Mr. Bezos [founder of Blue Origin] and his team. […] When I looked at Earth from space, it seemed so small and fragile, but it is our home. We must do everything we can to protect it.”
Impressions and Future Plans
Justin Sun applied to participate in the mission back in 2021, securing his spot at an auction with a bid of $28 million. The flight was originally planned for 2022 but only took place now. According to Sun, this space flight was the first of his life, but he does not intend to stop here.
After the journey, Sun shared his emotions, noting that viewing Earth from orbit changes one’s perspective. This phenomenon is known as the “overview effect” — the feeling of the planet’s fragility experienced by astronauts after seeing our planet from space.
It is known that Justin Sun has attracted attention multiple times with his bold actions. Notably, he previously purchased an art piece in the form of a banana taped to a wall for $6.2 million, after which he ate it in front of an audience.
According to official information, the NS-34 mission was the 34th launch of the New Shepard program and the 14th crewed flight in its history. Blue Origin has now sent a total of 75 people into space.