Comments on: Blue Origin releases video from inside capsule

By: ken anthony

ken anthony — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 04:40:42 +0000

the only way to show how much fun…

Which will be immediately compared with all the fun the same money could provide in alternative ways… Leaving a market of just those that don’t really care (no repeat business.)

By: Edward

Edward — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 21:54:47 +0000

Mark,
I know that they gave him a terrible, although culturally timely, name. I prefer a better, more company themed name. The rockets honor pioneering astronauts rather than fictional characters; perhaps their test equipment could, too.

SpaceX already names some of their equipment from fiction. Perhaps Blue Origin should try not to look like they copy everything that SpaceX does.

ken anthony,
I think that the only way to show how much fun the flight could be is to show a video of people having fun. Emphasis on “people.”

By: ken anthony

ken anthony — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 22:26:13 +0000

they need to convince people it will be safe

Of course, but they went too far. This is barnstorming for more money and less thrill (did Skywalker look like he was having fun?)

Going to earth or lunar orbit is where these tourists will want to go. With diminishing returns (if it develops at all, which I suspect it will on a small scale.) I expect point to point will take over this market.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 05:38:16 +0000

Unfortunately Edward, the crash dummy already has a name. Prepare for groaner.

“Mannequin Skywalker”

Groan.

from Jeff Bezos’ tweet linking this video…
“Full video of Mannequin Skywalker’s ride to space. Unlike him, you’ll be able to get out of your seat during the zero gee part of the flight. And ignore the pinging sound – it’s just from one of the experiments on this flight. #NewShepard @blueorigin https://youtu.be/6ZJghIk7_VA “

By: Robert Zimmerman

Robert Zimmerman — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 03:54:32 +0000

In reply to ken anthony. ken anthony: You might be right, but I disagree in this case. This is such a radical way for people to spend their money they need to convince people it will be safe and fun, not deadly and horrifying. This video helps prove that.

By: ken anthony

ken anthony — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 02:26:21 +0000

I think it was a mistake to release this video. I’m not sure what the ticket price is, but it will be significant. They’re trying to sell tickets to tourists and removing some of the mystery is just not a good idea for that market.

By: Edward

Edward — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 00:24:55 +0000

Fascinating. I believe that this is the first time I have heard the inside of a spacecraft during launch. We have all heard voices from astronauts before, but they are wearing helmets and the interior sounds are muffled at best and possibly attenuated. It looks like, New Shepard astronauts do not need helmets.

Meanwhile, I have decided to personally nickname the test dummy “Alan” in tribute to Alan Shepard, the namesake of the rocket. I hope this does not make me ineligible to be a future part of the Blue Origin team.