Blue Origin’s first crew mission of 2026 will launch next week. The New Shepard 38 or NS-38 mission is scheduled for liftoff on January 22 when the launch window opens at 7 pm IST [8:30 AM CST] from Blue Origin‘s Launch Site One in West Texas.
As usual, the crew includes six tourists who will cross the Karman Line – the internationally recognised boundary of space 100 kilometres above surface. NS-38 will mark Blue Origin’s 38th overall mission and 17th crew flight. To date, the company has sent 92 humans to space on its New Shepard spacecraft.
🚀 New Shepard Mission NS-38 is targeting liftoff on Thursday, January 22, with the launch window opening at 8:30 AM CST / 14:30 UTC. Meet the crew flying to space: Tim Drexler, Linda Edwards, Alain Fernandez, Alberto Gutiérrez, Jim Hendren, and Andrew Yaffe. Read more:… pic.twitter.com/dOWdv8PPE0
— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) January 16, 2026
Meet Blue Origin’s NS-38 mission crew
Dr. Linda Edwards – Dr. Edwards is the only woman in the crew. She is a retired obstetrician/gynecologist who has travelled to over 40 countries and is an award-winning equestrian. She is also a two-time breast cancer survivor and wants to inspire women to achieve their dreams through her New Shepard flight.
Timothy Drexler – Drexler is the former owner and CEO of Ace Asphalt and certified aviator experienced in flying both a helicopter and an airplane. Also an avid mountain biker, gardener and cook, Drexler is looking forward to his next aviation adventure – space.
Alain Fernandez – An international real estate developer and investor, Fernandez served as a scuba instructor across Europe and French Polynesia in his early years. Having bounced back from a diving accident when he was 22, he “approaches his New Shepard mission as another opportunity to push himself and explore what’s possible,” Blue Origin said in a statement.
Alberto Gutiérrez – Gutiérrez is an entrepreneur, technologist, and world traveler who has visited more than 100 countries across all seven continents. “His voyage on New Shepard offers a new vantage point from which to appreciate the world he has spent a lifetime exploring,” says Blue Origin.
Jim Hendren – Hendren is a decorated retired US Air Force Colonel, a former fighter pilot and past Commander of the 157th Combat Operations Squadron, with multiple overseas combat deployments. He is also the founder of Hendren Plastics Inc., a global manufacturing company.
Andrew Yaffe – Yaffe is known for his commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship in the recycling industry. A traveller and ancient history geek, his fascination with spaceflight and exploration was sparked by Star Trek.
Blue Origin’s historic 2025 missions
Blue Origin launched seven crewed missions in 2025. Its last – NS-37 – on December 20 was historic as it had the first wheelchair user Michaela (Michi) Benthaus to visit space. Another mission that made the headlines was NS-31 – the all-female crew mission including Jeff Bezos’s fiancée Lauren Sanchez and pop star Katy Perry.
ALSO READ: Blue Origin Launches First Wheelchair User Michaela Benthaus To Space On NS-37 Mission
ALSO READ: How Does Blue Origin’s Monstrous New Glenn Rocket Compare To Starship?
