Crypto mogul flies to space aboard latest Blue Origin flight
The flight lifted off Sunday at 7:42 a.m. local time from West Texas on a short suborbital joyride to space.
Sun founded TRON, a blockchain platform, and serves as an adviser to HTX, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. He placed the top bid of $28 million for a seat on Blue Origin's tourism craft in 2021. The proceeds went to Blue Origin's Club for the Future foundation to benefit space-based charities.
The other members on board were real estate investor Arvi Bahal; Turkish businessman Gökhan Erdem; meteorologist and journalist Deborah Martorell; teacher Lionel Pitchford; and JD Russell, founder of venture capital firm Alpha Funds.
The crypto entrepreneur was supposed to fly on Blue Origin's first human flight with company founder Jeff Bezos in July 2021, but Sun had to reschedule.
Other celebrities have taken on the suborbital mission, including pop star Katy Perry and Bezos' now-wife Lauren Sánchez.
While Blue Origin does not disclose its price for a seat on one of its tourism flights, rival space tourism company Virgin Galactic charges around $600,000 for a similar experience.
Blue Origin has now launched 14 tourist missions on its New Shepard to date, the company said.
_____
Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geek Wire
25 minutes ago
- Geek Wire
Blue Origin and five other companies study how orbital transfer vehicles can aid NASA
An artist's conception shows the Blue Ring space platform in orbit. (Blue Origin Illustration) Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin space venture is among six companies that will be producing studies for NASA looking at low-cost ways to use orbital transfer vehicles to deliver spacecraft to hard-to-reach orbits for the space agency. The awards will support nine studies in all, with a maximum total value of about $1.4 million, NASA said today. 'With the increasing maturity of commercial space delivery capabilities, we're asking companies to demonstrate how they can meet NASA's need for multi-spacecraft and multi-orbit delivery to difficult-to-reach orbits beyond current launch service offerings,' Joe Dant, orbital transfer vehicle strategic initiative owner for the Launch Services Program at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, said in a news release. 'This will increase unique science capability and lower the agency's overall mission costs.' Blue Origin will conduct two studies — one that focuses on potential NASA applications for its Blue Ring multi-mission space mobility platform, and another that focuses on how the upper stage of its New Glenn rocket could be used. The first New Glenn launch sent a test payload for the Blue Ring program into orbit in January. The second New Glenn launch is due to put twin orbiters on a path to Mars for NASA's ESCAPADE mission later this year. Blue Origin's first full-scale Blue Ring spacecraft is currently scheduled for launch in 2026, with Scout Space's Owl space domain sensors among the payloads. The other companies involved in NASA's studies are: Texas-based Arrow Science and Technology , which will partner with Quantum Space to study applications for Quantum's Ranger spacecraft. , which will partner with Quantum Space to study applications for Quantum's Ranger spacecraft. Texas-based Firefly Aerospace , which will focus on potential uses for its line of Elytra orbital vehicles. Firefly acquired Seattle-based Spaceflight Inc. in 2023, and its Elytra vehicles draw upon the heritage of Spaceflight's Sherpa vehicles. , which will focus on potential uses for its line of Elytra orbital vehicles. Firefly acquired Seattle-based Spaceflight Inc. in 2023, and its Elytra vehicles draw upon the heritage of Spaceflight's Sherpa vehicles. California-based Impulse Space , which will produce two studies focusing on its highly maneuverable Mira spacecraft and its high-energy Helios kick stage. , which will produce two studies focusing on its highly maneuverable Mira spacecraft and its high-energy Helios kick stage. California-based Rocket Lab USA , with one study focusing on the upper stage of its Neutron rocket, and the other focusing on a long-life orbital transfer vehicle based on its Explorer spacecraft. , with one study focusing on the upper stage of its Neutron rocket, and the other focusing on a long-life orbital transfer vehicle based on its Explorer spacecraft. Colorado-based United Launch Alliance, which will assess the cislunar mission capabilities of an extended-duration Centaur V upper stage. The studies are due to be complete by mid-September, and NASA will incorporate the findings into its plans for future space missions.
Newsweek
8 hours ago
- Newsweek
NATO Ally's Jet Fighter Rivals US F-35 Sales
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Turkey's KAAN fighter aircraft could soon rival the U.S.-made F‑35 stealth jet in arms sales to the Global South by positioning itself as a more accessible alternative. The Turkish offering is generating interest from emerging economies. In late July, Turkey inked its first export deal with Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim country, for 48 planes, the governments said. The Turkish Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a written request for comment. Why It Matters Turkey's first domestically developed fifth‑generation stealth fighter was part of a major pivot toward self-reliance in defense technology. Having previously armed itself with Western military tech, Turkey is now gaining ground in a field long dominated by the United States, the Soviet Union and later Russia, European powers and China. Its arms industry has gained a following after the early success of the Bayraktar TB2 drone, used by Ukraine against Russia. People look at a Turkish fighter jet on display at Turkey's 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) In Istanbul on July 25, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkish and foreign companies showcased defense technology and weaponry... People look at a Turkish fighter jet on display at Turkey's 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) In Istanbul on July 25, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkish and foreign companies showcased defense technology and weaponry at the fair running from July 22-27. MoreWhat To Know The KAAN fighter, developed by state-owned Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is intended to replace Turkey's aging fleet of F-16s and is being positioned as a low-cost alternative for its neighbors, too. The aircraft is expected to be more affordable than the U.S. F‑35, made by Lockheed Martin, according to TAI's leadership. Turkey's 2019 exclusion from the F-35 program over its purchase of S-400 missile systems from Russia marked Ankara's shift toward strategic autonomy under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Before the split, Turkish firms had built over 900 F-35 parts, gaining key experience in stealth and aerospace tech. Increasing interest has emerged since the KAAN's first test flight in 2024, with reports pointing to Egypt becoming the next participant in the jet program, although no official statements have been made by Cairo or Ankara. Turkey's deal to supply Indonesia was first revealed by Erdogan in June. The agreement with Jakarta, which has a history of using NATO equipment in its armed forces, "showcases the progress and achievements of our domestic and national defense industry," Erdogan said. America's Gulf partners have also shown an interest in the KAAN, with Washington still reluctant to transfer advanced systems to the region in order to preserve Israel's military edge. The U.S. and Turkey, meanwhile, remain at odds over Gaza, in addition to existing Israel-Turkey tensions over Syria. Erdogan still wants F-35 jets for the Turkish air force, however, and recently announced progress in talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, raising concerns in Israel. What People Are Saying Rear Admiral (retired) Mark Montgomery, senior director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, wrote in an analysis on July 2: "Turkey should not get access to U.S. F-35 sales until it destroys or returns the S-400 air defense missile system it foolishly purchased from Russia, and also, not until it publicly renounces and completely ceases support for Hamas—a vicious terrorist organization that targets and kills Americans. Turkey may be a member of NATO, but it has not treated the United States with respect for decades." President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia said in April "Indonesia wants to participate in the development of the 'KAAN' fifth-generation fighter jet and submarine development with the Turkish industry." Can Kasapoglu, a senior nonresident fellow at the Hudson Institute, wrote in a report for the Atlantic Council on June 24, 2024: "Another natural target for Turkey's multirole combat solution would be militaries that want to replace their Soviet era-remnant arsenals with a defense ecosystem that is in line with NATO standards, such as the non-NATO former Soviet space, which has traditionally been Russia's markets. In this regard, Azerbaijan and Ukraine loom large as two particularly interesting potential operator nations as KAAN's export market slowly takes shape in the coming years. What Happens Next Turkey aims to begin operational deployment of the KAAN fighter by 2028.
Time Business News
8 hours ago
- Time Business News
Why Antalya Should Be Your Next Travel Destination in 2025: Your Ultimate Guide
Imagine a place where ancient ruins meet the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Antalya offers this unique blend, a vibrant city on Turkey's turquoise coast. It mixes history, natural beauty, and modern comfort. For 2025, this captivating region promises unforgettable memories and incredible value. Antalya truly has something for everyone. Are you a history buff eager to walk in ancient footsteps? Do you dream of lazy beach days under the sun? Or do you seek adventure high in the mountains? This Turkish gem welcomes all kinds of travelers. It's a place where every day brings a new experience. For your next trip to Antalya, look no further than Turkey Travel 24. With exceptional Turkey travel packages, they are your trusted travel partner, offering personalized itineraries and expert guidance to make your Antalya experience unforgettable. Antalya's past is rich and colorful. The city sits on layers of history, showing civilizations that once thrived here. Exploring these old sites feels like stepping back in time. It's a journey into Turkey's soul. Roman power left its mark on Antalya. Hadrian's Gate stands tall, a grand entrance to the city's heart. Visit the Roman Theatre of Aspendos; its acoustics are still amazing today. The ancient city of Perge shows off incredible ruins, giving you a real sense of past lives. Later, the Ottoman Empire added its own touch. Kaleiçi, the Old Town, feels like a maze of history. You'll find old Ottoman houses and narrow, winding streets. The Yivliminare Mosque, with its fluted minaret, is a striking example of this era. The Antalya Museum is a must-see. It's one of Turkey's best museums. Inside, you'll discover amazing Roman statues and items from the Lycian period. Each piece tells a story of this land. For those who love walking, the Lycian Way is a famous path. This ancient route links many historical sites. It offers stunning views and a direct link to the region's deep past. You can hike parts of it to see old ruins. Antalya is famous for its breathtaking coastlines. The blue waters and sunny skies create perfect conditions for relaxation. Whether you want lively shores or quiet coves, Antalya delivers. Konyaaltı Beach offers clear, pebble-strewn shores. The Beydağları Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop. Here, you'll find cafes and many water activities. It's great for both swimming and relaxing. Lara Beach is known for its golden sands. It's a favorite for families. Luxury resorts line this coast, making it a perfect spot for those seeking comfort. The shallow, warm waters are safe for kids. Some coastal gems are a bit harder to find but worth the effort. Kaputaş Beach, a short drive away, sits dramatically under high cliffs. Its bright turquoise waters make it one of Turkey's most beautiful spots. It's a view you won't forget. Phaselis Ancient City Beach gives you a unique chance. You can explore old ruins, then swim in the clear bays of an ancient harbor. It's a cool way to mix history and beach time. Antalya offers more than just sun and sand. The region's diverse landscape means exciting activities are always close by. Get ready for some outdoor fun. The Taurus Mountains invite you to explore. Köprülü Canyon National Park is perfect for rafting on its white waters. You can also hike through lovely pine forests. Don't miss the ancient Roman aqueducts found here. Saklıkent Gorge is another impressive natural wonder. Its narrow canyon and cool waters are a sight to behold. This spot offers a refreshing break, especially on hot days. The Mediterranean Sea is ideal for water sports. Many popular sites offer great diving and snorkeling. You can discover vibrant marine life underwater. This area has clear visibility for amazing views. For those seeking aerial views, paragliding is an option. While Ölüdeniz is further away, it's a famous paragliding spot often linked with this region. You can also find spots along Antalya's coastal cliffs for stunning flights. Antalya's food scene is a treat for your taste buds. It blends classic Turkish flavors with fresh Mediterranean ingredients. Prepare for a delicious journey. Fresh seafood is a highlight in Antalya. You'll find many delicious mezes, or appetizers, to start your meal. These small dishes are perfect for sharing. Try regional specialties like 'Tantuni,' a tasty meat wrap. 'Hülügü,' a chickpea dish, also offers unique local flavors. Don't forget the fresh oranges and olives grown in the region. In Kaleiçi, the Old Town, you can enjoy traditional Turkish food in charming settings. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating among historical buildings. The city also has modern cafes and eateries. These spots serve up international dishes and new fusion cuisine. You'll find options for every mood and budget. Getting ready for your Antalya adventure is simple. A bit of planning ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips for your 2025 visit. The best times to visit Antalya are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). The weather is pleasant for sightseeing during these months. There are also fewer crowds, making it easier to explore. Summer (June-August) is hot, perfect for beach holidays. However, it can be very warm for long walks or city tours. Antalya Airport (AYT) is well-connected. Many major international cities have direct flights there. Once you arrive, getting around is easy. Public buses cover the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are also widely available. For more freedom, consider renting a car. This allows you to explore the hidden gems outside the city. Antalya truly is a top choice for your 2025 travels. It perfectly mixes ancient history, beautiful beaches, and exciting activities. From walking through Roman ruins to swimming in clear blue waters, every moment here is special. The delicious food and warm welcome make it even better. Don't wait. Plan your trip to Antalya for 2025 and discover its unique magic yourself. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
