Jeff Bezos Is About To Be First Space Billionaire To Travel The Cosmos

Jeff Bezos is about to become the first space billionaire to travel to space on a crewed flight of rocket from Blue Origin

"Ever since I was five years old, I've dreamed of travelling to space," Jeff Bezos, Amazon's CEO, said. Apparently, Bezos' dream is about to come true, and he's bringing along his brother Mark, a firefighter and co-founder of HighPost Capital.

Should Blue Origin's rocket launch with Bezos on board, he'll become the first space billionaire to ever travel the cosmos.

Above Jeff Bezos at Amazon Spheres Grand Opening in Seattle. | Photo from Wikimedia Commons; Seattle City Council

Bezos and his brother will be stepping on board the first crewed flight of rocket firm Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule. The third spot, however, is open for anyone willing to bid. Currently, almost 6,000 participants from 143 countries have put up an offer, garnering almost USD2.8 million. All proceeds from the auction will go to the company's foundation Club for the Future.

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - SEPTEMBER 19: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, founder of space venture Blue Origin and owner of The Washington Post, participates in an event hosted by the Air Force Association September 19, 2018 in National Harbor, Maryland. Bezos talked about innovating in large organizations as well as staying on the cutting edge in the space industry. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Above NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - SEPTEMBER 19: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, founder of space venture Blue Origin and owner of The Washington Post, participates in an event hosted by the Air Force Association September 19, 2018 in National Harbor, Maryland. Bezos talked about innovating in large organizations as well as staying on the cutting edge in the space industry. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The historical trip will take 10 minutes, four of which will be spent above the Karman line which is known to be the imaginary boundary between Earth's atmosphere and space. While strapped in space along the Karman line, Bezos and the other passengers will get a great look at the edge of space.

They are expecting to travel to space on 20 July, just two weeks after Bezos formally steps down from Amazon after being the company CEO since 1994 and passing the mantle to Andy Jassy. Somehow, Bezos travelling to space makes a brilliant exit as CEO and a momentous way to begin a new chapter in his career.

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Jeff Bezos Is About To Be First Space Billionaire To Travel The Cosmos