"This April 29, 2018 handout photograph obtained courtesy of Blue Origin shows the New Shepard on the launch pad the morning of Mission 8, in an undiscolosed place.  The two companies leading the pack in the pursuit of space tourism say they are just months away from their first out-of-this-world passenger flights -- though neither has set a firm date. Virgin Galactic, founded by British billionaire Richard Branson, and Blue Origin, by Amazon creator Jeff Bezos, are racing to be the first to finish their tests -- with both companies using radically different technology. / AFP PHOTO / BLUE ORIGIN / HO /  With AFP Story by Ivan COURONNE: First space tourist flights could come in 2019   == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE  / MANDATORY CREDIT:  ""AFP PHOTO /  BLUE ORIGIN"" / NO MARKETING / NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS /  DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS  == /"
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