Beyond Horizons: Where Private Aviation Meets Space Travel
- MPI Jet
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 8
What do the edge of space and the world of private aviation have in common? More than you might think. Both embody the spirit of innovation and the desire to experience life from a new perspective—or as we like to call it, the dream of flight. That spirit came vividly to life when one of MPI Jet’s valued clients, Kenneth Hess, embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard the 25th flight of Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft—a suborbital vehicle built to take civilians into space and bring them back safely.
As Mr. Hess prepared to leave Earth behind, he trusted MPI Jet to manage the ground-level logistics—from shifting launch dates to navigating remote travel requirements. What unfolded was a story that proved private aviation to be the perfect partner for extraordinary experiences—and showed that with the right support, even the boldest dreams can take flight.
Supporting Blue Origin with Flexible Private Aviation
Space missions aren’t known for running on tight schedules. Originally set to launch in October 2022, Mr. Hess's Blue Origin journey was postponed until May 2024 due to technical delays. Amid the shifting timeline, MPI Jet provided a consistent and reliable anchor, adjusting quickly and supporting every reschedule with seamless logistics.
“I was super happy with how MPI Jet rolled with the punches,” Kenneth shared. “The whole mission required a lot of patience and moving pieces.”
From Monterey, California, to the remote town of Van Horn, Texas—home of Blue Origin’s launch site—MPI Jet handled the travel logistics. They flew Mr. Hess and his wife to Van Horn for the launch then returned with his family for his much-anticipated landing.
Accessing Remote Airports With Private Aviation
One of the key challenges of this mission was geography. Van Horn’s closest commercial airport is hours away, and public options are extremely limited.
“If you fly commercially, it would take a day to get there, then you have to drive two hours. That wasn’t how I wanted to start this trip,” Mr. Hess explained.
Thanks to MPI Jet’s aviation network, they secured access to a private airstrip without a traditional FBO (Fixed Base Operator)—a feat that would be difficult for most travelers or even other private charter providers to achieve.
Experiencing Space: A Passenger’s Perspective
Mr. Hess's Blue Origin experience was nothing short of otherworldly. Traveling at Mach 3, meaning three times the speed of sound and approximately 2,301 mph at sea level, he encountered 3G forces during ascent and 5.5G upon reentry. To put this into perspective, 5.5Gs in force would feel like someone who is 5.5 times your weight sitting on your chest. In a matter of minutes, he was 50 miles above Earth.
“Going up is like ‘pedal to the metal’—amazingly fast, like riding in a glass elevator,” Kenneth described.
Once in zero gravity, the capsule rotated to offer 360° views of space. Mr. Hess looked out over the American Southwest, from New Mexico to Arizona, and witnessed the sun in a way most of us never will: unfiltered, brilliant, and free from earthly reference points.
“Seeing the sun caught me by surprise. In this new realm, the sun is just there—no scale, no filter.”
Historic Moments in Space Travel: Ed Dwight
Mr. Hess's spaceflight was historic not only for him personally but also for his crewmate, Ed Dwight—the first African American astronaut candidate. After decades of waiting, Dwight finally achieved his dream on Blue Origin's 25th space launch.
The Foundations of Space Tourism and Private Aviation
While private aviation and space tourism may seem worlds apart, they’re built on the same foundation: exclusive access, precision planning, adaptability, and a spirit of innovation. Both industries cater to those who seek more than just a destination—they seek an experience.
Mr. Hess's journey to the edge of space shines a light on these shared values. And MPI Jet’s ability to rise to the occasion—navigating shifting timelines and remote logistics—demonstrates why discerning travelers can trust MPI Jet for life’s most extraordinary adventures.
Your Next Great Adventure Awaits with MPI Jet
At MPI Jet, we don’t just get you from point A to point B—we help move history forward. Whether you're headed to Super Bowl LX and want to skip the stress of event logistics, planning to witness NASA’s Artemis launch, or simply escaping for a weekend of luxury, MPI Jet delivers the service, access, and peace of mind discerning travelers expect from private aviation.
With a modern fleet, expert crew, and a trusted global network, every journey with MPI Jet is as exceptional as its destination. We take care of the details—so you can focus on the experience.
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