Jeff Bezos has successfully landed back on Earth after being blasted off on a flight to the edge of space.
The Amazon founder strapped himself into Blue Origin’s sub-orbital New Shepard rocket from a space station in Texas today.
Alongside him was brother Mark, astronaut Wally Funk and Blue Origin’s first customer Oliver Daemon - who has become the youngest person in space.
Bezos is the second billionaire to enter into space inside his own rocket, with Sir Richard Branson flying on the Virgin Galactic just days before.
Branson said that the experience was ‘more extreme than he’d ever imagined.’
The Amazon bigwig said that he was hoping to reach an altitude of around 66 miles, which is more than 10 miles higher than his extremely wealthy counterpart.
The four could be heard celebrating and cheering as they managed to reach the edge of space. The booster that blasted the group into space before separating successfully landed back on shortly after lift off.
Bezos and his fellow crewmates successfully landed back on Earth after the achievement.
The trip is the 16th lift-off made by New Shepard, and its first to carry human passengers.
Because the capsule is fully automated, there is no need for trained staff on the quick up-and-down flight, expected to last just 10 minutes.
As well as an opportunity to take in breath-taking views of Earth, the group will be able to get out of their seats and float around the cabin for about four minutes.
"Jeff, this is something you've dreamed of your whole life and your passion for space is infectious," a message from Jeff Bezos's sister Christina read moments before lift-off.
"Now hurry up and get your asses back down here so I can give you a huge hug, we love you, and godspeed New Shepard.”
Dressed in a blue flight suit and cowboy hat, Bezos rode to the launch pad with his fellow passengers, waving to a cheering crowd that had gathered along the road.
The billionaire's parents and other family members were also on site for the launch.
