# RSS Jules Verne

> New Shepard capsule built by Blue Origin

**Wikidata**: [Q124022336](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124022336)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rss-jules-verne

## Summary
RSS Jules Verne is a reusable New Shepard capsule developed by Blue Origin for suborbital spaceflight. It first launched on April 29, 2015, as part of the New Shepard system, designed to carry passengers and payloads to the edge of space. The capsule is notable for its role in advancing commercial space tourism and reusable spacecraft technology.

## Key Facts
- **First flight**: April 29, 2015 (references: SpaceNews, Skyrocket.de).
- **Manufacturer/Operator**: Blue Origin.
- **Launch vehicle**: New Shepard rocket.
- **Country of origin**: United States.
- **Aliases**: Jules Verne, Reusable Space Ship Jules Verne.
- **Start point**: Corn Ranch launch site in West Texas.
- **Instance of**: New Shepard capsule (reusable spacecraft).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the RSS Jules Verne?
A: The RSS Jules Verne is a reusable spacecraft capsule built by Blue Origin as part of its New Shepard system, designed for suborbital flights to the edge of space.

### Q: When did the RSS Jules Verne first launch?
A: The capsule first flew on April 29, 2015, as part of a test mission for the New Shepard program.

### Q: What is the purpose of the RSS Jules Verne?
A: It is designed to carry passengers and scientific payloads to suborbital space, supporting Blue Origin’s commercial space tourism and research initiatives.

## Why It Matters
RSS Jules Verne represents a significant milestone in the development of reusable suborbital spacecraft, a critical component of Blue Origin’s New Shepard program. Its successful first flight in 2015 demonstrated the viability of vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) technology for commercial space ventures. As a reusable capsule, it reduces the cost and complexity of accessing space, paving the way for routine suborbital tourism and scientific research. The Jules Verne capsule’s role in testing and validation has directly contributed to Blue Origin’s ability to safely launch crewed missions, marking an important step toward democratizing access to space.

## Notable For
- First flight of a New Shepard capsule on April 29, 2015.
- Demonstrated reusability in suborbital launch systems.
- Integral to Blue Origin’s commercial space tourism offerings.
- Named after French science fiction author Jules Verne, reflecting its visionary purpose.

## Body
### Development
RSS Jules Verne was developed by Blue Origin as part of the New Shepard program, a vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) suborbital launch system. The capsule is designed to separate from its rocket booster after reaching space, returning to Earth via parachute for reuse.

### First Flight
- **Date**: April 29, 2015.
- **Mission**: Uncrewed test flight to validate the capsule’s performance and recovery systems.
- **Launch site**: Corn Ranch, West Texas.
- **Outcome**: Successful demonstration of the New Shepard system’s capabilities, though the booster rocket was not recovered due to a planned abort test.

### Design & Specifications
- **Role**: Passenger and payload capsule for suborbital missions.
- **Launch vehicle**: Integrated with the New Shepard rocket.
- **Reusability**: Designed for multiple flights, reducing operational costs.
- **Operator**: Blue Origin, a U.S.-based aerospace manufacturer founded by Jeff Bezos.

### Historical Context
The Jules Verne capsule’s first flight followed years of secretive development by Blue Origin. Its success positioned the company as a leader in commercial spaceflight, alongside competitors like Virgin Galactic. The mission laid the groundwork for future crewed flights, including the eventual launch of astronauts and space tourists.

## References

1. [Source](https://spacenews.com/blue-origins-new-shepard-vehicle-makes-first-test-flight/)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sat/new-shepard_history.htm)