Produced by: Tarun Mishra
The Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) has teamed up with Blue Origin, led by Jeff Bezos, to offer Indian citizens an opportunity to venture into space.
Blue Origin's New Shepard, a reusable suborbital rocket, will carry selected astronauts on an 11-minute journey beyond the Karman line, marking the boundary of space at 100 km above Earth's surface.
Passengers will experience several minutes of weightlessness during the suborbital flight before returning safely to Earth.
Interested Indian citizens can apply by registering for a nominal fee, approximately $2.50, which includes verification checks. The selection process involves public voting, allowing citizens to participate in choosing their nation's space representative.
Candidates must meet Blue Origin's physical requirements and can campaign for votes across various platforms. The voting process progresses through multiple phases of elimination, focusing on candidates from respective nations or regions.
Selected astronauts will undergo a three-day training program at Blue Origin's launch site in West Texas to prepare for their spaceflight aboard New Shepard.
SERA's initiative aims to democratize space travel, sparking national conversations about space exploration, and fostering international collaboration in the field.
This collaboration aligns with India's expanding space ambitions, showcasing opportunities for Indian citizens to contribute actively to the future of space exploration and research.