Here's why Blue Origin just ended its suborbital space tourism program
Ars Technica • • business
Key Points:
- Blue Origin has paused its New Shepard suborbital space tourism program for two years, signaling a likely permanent end to the initiative after 38 launches and 98 people flown to space since 2015.
- The decision was unexpected, coming shortly after a successful mission and ongoing development of new boosters and capsules, but it reflects a strategic shift to prioritize human lunar capabilities and the New Glenn rocket.
- The New Shepard program, while pioneering, was financially draining and diverted resources from Blue Origin’s long-term goals of space settlements and lunar exploration.
- Blue Origin plans to support affected employees by reallocating them to lunar and New Glenn projects, aligning with NASA’s Artemis Program goals and enhancing competition for lunar contracts.
- Industry experts view the move as positive
