SAN JOSE (California), Jan 31 (Bernama-dpa) -- Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' United States (US) space company Blue Origin on Friday announced it would suspend space tourism flights for at least two years, to focus on "the company's human lunar capabilities," reported German Press Agency (dpa).
"Blue Origin today announced it will pause its New Shepard flights and shift resources to further accelerate development of the company's human lunar capabilities," the company said in a statement.
"The decision reflects Blue Origin's commitment to the nation's goal of returning to the Moon and establishing a permanent, sustained lunar presence."
Blue Origin is involved in NASA's Artemis programme, which aims to return astronauts to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years as a foundation for missions to Mars.
Blue Origin has been offering short trips for space tourists since 2021. Bezos was on the inaugural crewed flight.
According to the company, a total of 98 people have been in space on 38 flights – including singer Katy Perry and actor William Shatner.
Space tourism for wealthy customers has been criticised from the outset for its limited scientific benefit, its negative impact on the environment and climate and its elitist nature.
Blue Origin does not officially disclose the price of the trips, but estimates are in the range of several hundred thousand dollars.
--BERNAMA-dpa
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