As part of today’s launch by Blue Origin, an extended hold meant the livestream hosts – Senior Director of Astronaut and Orbital Sales Ariane Cornell and Senior Manager of Civil Space Government Relations Jacki Cortese – had some time to kill. After covering updates about Blue Origin, detailing the launch, and sharing some extended photos of the rocket and surrounding countryside, they launched into a different clip.
Serene views of a campfire, shining Airstream campers, and a peaceful sunrise introduced the world to the Blue Origin Astronaut Village, and those watching the livestream were all atwitter.
Cornell explained that this unconventional astronaut village is located just 10 minutes from the launch site, and is “nestled into a beautiful valley of West Texas.”
“When we built the astronaut village and the hospitality component, we wanted to build something that felt part of the Texas environment,” Cornell said as part of the livestream. “It’s not something big and elaborate, it’s something that is part of the environment. Of course, at the same time we want you to feel comfortable so we brought in a catering staff... the food and beverage is very nice. There’s nothing like a glass of champagne around the campfire.”
Further footage showed a luxurious indoor dining space with a full bar. Cocktails appear inspired by Blue Origin flights and glasswork is etched with various symbols of the company. The hospitality team has decades of experience, per Cornell’s explanation, though she also suggested that it’s a catering team brought in specifically for astronaut training and launch days – not a full-time service at the West Texas launch facility.
We were also afforded a peek into the top-tier glamping Airstreams, which feature clean white design throughout the trailers. Surprisingly, they look spacious, especially the large glass shower that exceeds the size of any trailer shower I’ve ever experienced while traveling.
In between catered meals and nights of rest in the Airstreams, Cornell explained that the huge outdoor campfire space is “designed so the crew can get to know each other, relax, and have comfort as they prepare for space.” Footage showed Cornell and Audrey Powers, Vice President of Mission and Flight Operations at Blue Origin, – who flew on today’s flight – demonstrating a relaxing evening near the campfire.
While there don’t seem to be any plans to allow visitors to spend time at the Astronaut Village on non-launch days, there’s definitely interest. I for one would be happy to spend a long weekend around the campfire and nestled into one of those Airstreams while I continue saving for a ticket to space – Blue Origin has still not released the price of tickets.
