The Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) has partnered with Blue Origin to welcome India into their groundbreaking human spaceflight program. This initiative is specifically designed for countries that have sent few or no astronauts into space.
Based in the United States, SERA has announced an opportunity for global citizens to vie for six seats on an upcoming New Shepard mission, Blue Origin’s cutting-edge reusable suborbital rocket. This mission offers a unique chance for individuals to experience space travel.
Indian citizens interested in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity can apply for the program by paying a nominal fee of $2.50 (approximately Rs 207.5). This fee is intended to cover verification costs, ensuring a fair and secure selection process. Final candidates will be chosen through public voting, allowing them the incredible opportunity to journey into space aboard the New Shepard.
Blue Origin, founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, is renowned for developing reusable rocket engines, launch vehicles, and lunar landers. Meanwhile, SERA was established to create a global community dedicated to advancing space exploration and research, with the goal of making space accessible to people worldwide.
Joshua Skurla, co-founder of SERA, expressed his excitement about India’s participation in their human spaceflight program. Selected astronauts will experience several minutes of weightlessness before safely returning to Earth.
“Our mission is to democratize space by enabling citizens from over 150 countries with limited access to space to engage in groundbreaking research and contribute to the future of space exploration,” Skurla emphasized. “We aspire to empower global participation and ensure diverse voices in shaping our space endeavors.”
This initiative marks a significant step in making space travel more inclusive and accessible, opening the doors for many who have never had the chance to explore beyond our planet.
