- Blue Origin now accepts cryptocurrency, letting passengers book New Shepard flights using digital assets.
- Shift4 CEO says the partnership makes booking space trips easier for travelers around the world.
- TRON founder Justin Sun recently joined Blue Origin’s 14th human spaceflight on New Shepard.
Blue Origin, the space exploration company founded by Jeff Bezos, is now letting future astronauts pay for their trip beyond Earth using cryptocurrency. The company announced on Monday that passengers booking a seat on its New Shepard rocket can complete their purchase using digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, as well as stablecoins USDT and USDC.
The payment system is powered by Shift4 Payments, a global leader in commerce technology. By connecting wallets such as Coinbase and MetaMask, customers now have the ability to send payments directly, instantly, and securely from anywhere in the world.
More than 75 people have already crossed the Kármán Line on the reusable New Shepard, and now, the process to book that same journey is embracing the future of payments.
Meeting the Demand for Flexible, Modern Transactions
The move to accept cryptocurrency payments comes as demand for faster and more secure digital transactions continues to rise. Shift4 CEO Taylor Lauber said the partnership with Blue Origin builds on the company’s goal of making payments effortless.
“Our mission has always been to revolutionize commerce by simplifying the transaction process, and we’re thrilled to now extend that vision beyond Earth,” Lauber stated. He explained that the new system allows space travelers to choose their preferred payment method while enjoying a smooth booking experience.
Shift4 also highlighted the speed advantage of crypto transactions. As a result, payments can settle in U.S. dollars almost instantly, regardless of borders, banking hours, or weekends, making it a practical choice for high-value purchases like space tickets.
Crypto Payments Take Off with Blue Origin
Shift4’s Head of Crypto, Alex Wilson, said the timing of Blue Origin’s new payment option aligns with the rapid growth of digital assets. “Crypto is now a $4 trillion asset class, and the sky is the limit when it comes to its potential in the current payments ecosystem,” Wilson stated. He noted that high-value transactions are increasingly shifting toward cryptocurrency because they can benefit both customers and businesses.
This development comes as other major payment platforms expand into digital currency acceptance. PayPal, for example, recently enabled U.S. merchants to take crypto payments, giving businesses an alternative to credit cards while helping reduce transaction costs.
From Blockchain to the Kármán Line
Blue Origin’s adoption of cryptocurrency payments follows closely after TRON founder Justin Sun joined a New Shepard mission earlier this month. Sun became the youngest Chinese commercial astronaut during the company’s 14th human spaceflight. His $28 million seat was purchased using traditional currency, but future passengers will now have the choice to pay in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, USDT, or USDC.
While Amazon, Jeff Bezos’s other major company, has yet to introduce cryptocurrency payments, this move represents Blue Origin’s first direct link to the digital asset space. By comparison, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has long been connected to crypto through its Bitcoin reserves. Data from Arkham Intelligence shows SpaceX holds 8,285 BTC, valued at nearly $996 million.
