Arvinder "Arvi" Singh Bahal, an Indian-origin real estate investor and entrepreneur, is poised to journey to the edge of space aboard Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin's NS-34 mission on August 3, 2025. The mission will launch from Blue Origin's facility in West Texas.
Bahal, who was born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is now a U.S. citizen. He describes himself as a lifelong adventurer. The Blue Origin website mentions that he has made it his mission to visit every country in the world. Bahal has also stood at both the North and South Poles and skydived over Mount Everest and the Pyramids of Giza. He also holds a private pilot's license and is trained to fly helicopters.
The NS-34 mission marks Blue Origin's next step in commercial spaceflight, carrying six civilians on a suborbital journey using the reusable New Shepard rocket. The 11-minute flight will offer breathtaking views of Earth from over 60 miles above sea level, along with several minutes of weightlessness. This continues Blue Origin's aim to make space accessible to non-professional astronauts.
Bahal is the president of Bahal Properties, a real estate company he has led since 1975. With over 50 years in the industry, he has balanced a successful business career with his passion for global exploration. Bahal is also known for funding educational initiatives and space research projects, and promoting STEM education among underserved communities.
Joining Bahal on the NS-34 mission are five other individuals from diverse backgrounds:
Blue Origin's New Shepard program has so far taken 70 people past the Karman line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. The company envisions these short excursions as a stepping stone towards larger goals, such as developing a heavy rocket and lunar lander.
Notably, in May 2024, Gopichand Thotakura, another Indian-origin pilot and entrepreneur, flew on Blue Origin's NS-25 mission. He was the first Indian space tourist.
Arvi Singh Bahal's upcoming flight represents not just a personal achievement, but also highlights the increasing accessibility of space travel to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
