The Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA), in collaboration with Blue Origin, has announced an exciting opportunity for Indian citizens to participate in a groundbreaking human spaceflight program. This initiative aims to include citizens from countries with few or no previous astronauts in space missions, offering them the chance to explore the final frontier.
SERA, a US-based organization, will provide six seats on an upcoming mission of New Shepard, Blue Origin’s reusable suborbital rocket. The mission promises an exhilarating 11-minute journey past the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space at 100 km altitude. During this flight, astronauts will experience several minutes of weightlessness before returning safely to the launch pad.
“We’re excited to have India as part of our human spaceflight program,” said Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder of SERA. “India has achieved remarkable milestones in its space journey, including becoming the first country to reach the Moon’s southern pole. We want to make space accessible for everyone and are happy to offer this unique opportunity to an Indian citizen who wants to experience the wonders of space travel.”
To participate, Indian citizens can register for the program by paying a nominal fee of around US$2.50. This fee covers the costs of verification checks to ensure safe and fair voting. The final candidates will be selected through a public voting process, granting one lucky Indian the opportunity to join the New Shepard mission.
“Our mission is to democratize space by enabling citizens from over 150 countries with limited access to space to participate in groundbreaking research and create history,” added Joshua Skurla. “Our aim is to empower people globally to have a voice and stake in the future of space exploration.”
according to an official company statement, selected candidates must meet Blue Origin’s physical requirements. They can campaign for votes by sharing their stories via mission profile pages, social media, and other platforms. Voting will proceed in three elimination phases, with the public voting for candidates from their own nation or region, except for one global seat.
“By giving communities the power to choose their astronauts, we ensure this mission is driven by people, for people,” said Sam Hutchison, Co-Founder of SERA. “This approach will ignite national conversations on space and foster international collaboration in space exploration. The minimal physical requirements and training for New Shepard’s flight lower the barrier to entry, allowing more diverse and inclusive participation in space.”
Phil Joyce, SVP of New Shepard, expressed pride in supporting SERA’s mission, stating, “This program exemplifies our commitment to making space accessible to everyone. We’re proud to support SERA in their efforts to send an Indian citizen to space and inspire the next generation of space explorers.”
The final six crew members will arrive three days prior to the flight for training at Blue Origin’s launch site in West Texas, marking a significant step toward democratizing space travel and expanding humanity’s reach into the cosmos.
