Veteran in the tech industry, Lane Bess, recently embarked on his second space adventure with Blue Origin. Reflecting on these experiences, Bess emphasizes the profound impact each journey had on his perspective towards life, urging for greater investments in space exploration. In a candid conversation, Bess shares his thoughts on the state of the world post-space travel, highlighting the need for unity and visionary leadership beyond current political boundaries. With a rich background in technology and cybersecurity, Bess offers insights into his lifelong fascination with space and the journey that led him to this extraordinary opportunity. Accompanied by fellow passengers with successful backgrounds, Bess details the preparation and experiences of the voyage. The story unravels the awe-inspiring allure of space exploration and the transformative effect it has on those who dare to venture beyond Earth’s confines.
The journey is surprisingly safe. You have the option to bail out up until two and a half minutes before the gangplank is pulled. Prior to takeoff, we enter the crew capsule of the rocket. Initially, there isn’t much sensation of movement as the engine ignites. Despite the earpieces dampening the engine noise, there are still loud bangs. The capsule is then propelled into the air. Within two and a half minutes, you pass the Kármán line, experiencing weightlessness and observing the delicate nature of Earth’s atmosphere. I captured the view with my GoPro. The ascent is steady, but the descent can be turbulent, subjecting you to high gravitational forces that restrict movement and breathing. Upon landing, our families greeted us with a Champagne toast, recognizing our unique experience as space travelers.
My association with Jeff Bezos dates back to the nineties when I collaborated with Amazon on AT&T’s internet launch. While we’re not close, I believe in his genuine dedication to space exploration. During a conversation at his ranch, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to delve into areas that most people overlook, thanks to the wealth generated by his ventures. Among the numerous billionaires worldwide, only a handful invest significantly in futuristic endeavors. Such visionary individuals are essential in each era.
