Blue Origin, the space tourism enterprise founded by Jeff Bezos, has announced that Justin Sun, the founder of the Tron blockchain, will join its upcoming flight, designated NS-34. Sun is reported to have secured his place on this mission by paying a substantial US$28 million (approximately AU$42.9 million) in 2021. Although the specific launch date is still under wraps, the flight is anticipated to occur in the coming weeks.
Sun is set to be one of six crew members on this mission aboard the visually distinct New Shepard spacecraft, known for its unconventional shape. The other members joining him include Arvi Bahal, a real estate investor from India, Turkish businessman Gökhan Erdem, Puerto Rican journalist Deborah Martorell, educator Lionel Pitchford, and entrepreneur J.D. Russell. Following this announcement, Sun proudly declared on social media that he is now the “youngest Chinese commercial astronaut.”
Historically, Sun has engaged in a series of high-profile publicity stunts to elevate his visibility within the cryptocurrency community. Notably, he gained attention last year when he purchased a controversial work of art—banana taped to a wall—for around US$6 million.
However, Sun’s trajectory has not been without controversy, particularly in regard to legal matters in the United States. His challenges began in March 2023 when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed multiple charges against him and his associated companies, including the Tron Foundation, for the unregistered sale of securities. Allegations also included manipulation of the TRX cryptocurrency market and payments to celebrities for promoting TRX and BTT without proper disclosures. Noteworthy figures such as Jake Paul and Lindsay Lohan were entangled in this controversy, highlighted for their roles in promoting the tokens.
In a twist, earlier this year, Sun’s legal difficulties seemed to diminish when he became the largest single investor in the Trump family’s DeFi enterprise, World Liberty Financial (WLFI), alongside being appointed an advisor to the project. This development raised eyebrows, particularly as the legal proceedings against him were put on hold following a joint request to pause the charges.
Sun’s participation in the NS-34 mission can be interpreted as a further effort to bolster both his personal brand and the visibility of Tron in the competitive landscape of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. As the date of the flight looms near, anticipation surrounds both the mission itself and Sun’s other ongoing ventures, including his recent investments.
Overall, while Justin Sun prepares for this suborbital journey, the implications of his actions remain significant—offering insights into the intertwining of cryptocurrency, celebrity influence, and legal challenges.
