Justin Sun, founder of the Tron blockchain network, successfully returned from Blue Origin’s NS-34 mission on Saturday.
Five other crew members joined the crypto entrepreneur on the commercial spaceflight. Sun had won his seat through a $28 million bid placed in 2021.
Earth Perspective Inspires Reflection on Planetary Protection
SponsoredThe ten-minute journey took the crew beyond the Kármán line at 100 kilometers altitude. Meanwhile, during the suborbital flight, passengers experienced approximately four minutes of weightlessness. The mission marked the realization of the dream of space travel for Sun, now the youngest Chinese astronaut in history.
“Earth is so small, and it’s our home,” Sun said after landing safely. Furthermore, he emphasized the responsibility of humankind to protect the planet following his aerial perspective. Sun described being surprised by Earth’s apparent small size when viewed from space.
The Tron founder’s reaction exemplifies the “Overview Effect,” a cognitive shift astronauts experience. This phenomenon highlights Earth’s interconnectedness and humanity’s universal place. Over 70 people have now traveled to space through Blue Origin’s program.
Sun’s space achievement adds to his entrepreneurial portfolio in blockchain technology. Tron currently serves over 320 million global users with daily active addresses exceeding three million. The platform processes $82.6 billion in USDT on-chain issuance.
The space journey reinforces Sun’s commitment to inspiring young people in STEM education. He donated his $28 million bid to Blue Origin’s Club for the Future foundation. Sun hopes his interstellar experience will encourage more youth to pursue technology and innovation.
While Chun Wang, co-founder of a major Bitcoin mining pool, became the first crypto entrepreneur to fly to space on a SpaceX orbital mission earlier this year, Sun became the first crypto industry leader to do so aboard Blue Origin.
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