Blue Origin says will fly 18-year-old to space on July 20

This undated image courtesy of Oliver Daemen shows the 18-year-old, who will be the youngest astronaut to fly into space as part of the Blue Origin crewBlue Origin said on July 15, 2021, Daemen, a paying customer, will fly to space on board the company's maiden crewed spaceflight on July 20.

Blue Origin said Thursday an 18-year-old paying customer will fly to space on the company's maiden crewed spaceflight on July 20, becoming the youngest ever astronaut.

Oliver Daemen, who graduated from high school last year and holds a private pilot's license, joins Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, the tycoon's brother Mark and barrier-breaking female aviator Wally Funk as the fourth member of the crew. 

"This marks the beginning of commercial operations for New Shepard, and Oliver represents a new generation of people who will help us build a road to space," said Bob Smith, CEO of Blue Origin. 

Smith also thanked the auction winner for their support of Club for the Future, Blue Origin's foundation which this week announced it was donating $1 million to 19 nonprofits that promote science and engineering.

He plans to attend the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands to study physics and innovation management this September.

The ticket price has not been disclosed.

- Space tourism lifts off -

Branson achieved the feat on a Virgin Galactic spaceship on Sunday, a landmark moment for the nascent space tourism industry.

Blue Origin's rocket breaks the internationally-recognized boundary of space at an altitude of 62 miles (100 kilometers), while Virgin Galactic breached the 50-mile border that is recognized by the United States.

Blue Origin's ambitions also extend far beyond space tourism, with the company vying to become a major contractor for NASA missions.

ia/ft

...