11-Minute Space Trip for Indian Citizens

In a groundbreaking move, the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) has partnered with Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin to offer Indian citizens the opportunity to venture into space. This historic collaboration aims to democratize space travel and provide individuals from countries with limited space presence a chance to experience the wonders of space exploration.

Through this program, SERA will offer six seats on Blue Origin's reusable New Shepard rocket for an 11-minute journey past the Karman line, the internationally recognized boundary of space at 100 km above Earth's surface. During this brief but awe-inspiring trip, the selected astronauts will experience several minutes of weightlessness before making a controlled descent back to the landing pad.

Any Indian citizen can register for this program by paying a nominal fee of approximately $2.50 (₹209) to cover the cost of verification checks. The final candidates will be chosen through a public voting process, allowing citizens to have a direct say in who represents their nation in this historic space mission. The potential astronauts will be required to meet Blue Origin's physical requirements, but the low barrier to entry ensures diverse and inclusive participation.

The six selected astronauts will undergo a three-day training program at Blue Origin's launch site in West Texas prior to their flight. This initiative not only offers a unique opportunity for Indian citizens but also aligns with India's growing ambitions in space exploration and research. As the country continues to make strides in its space program, this collaboration with SERA and Blue Origin opens up new possibilities for Indians to contribute to and participate in the future of space exploration.