Space & Astronomy

'Mannequin Skywalker' launch is successful

By T.K. Randall
December 13, 2017

Image Credit: NASA The New Shepard suborbital spacecraft, which is being designed with space tourism in mind, blasted off from the company's West Texas launch site on Tuesday carrying a sensor-laden dummy named 'Mannequin Skywalker' in honor of a familiar character from the Star Wars franchise.

The capsule, which has been equipped with large windows to offer future passengers a breathtaking view, soared to an altitude of 98km before separating from the rocket and parachuting back down.

The booster stage also came in for a controlled landing on the launchpad.

Blue Origin and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos later stated that the dummy 'had a great ride'.


Source: CBC.ca

Tags: Blue Origin