Blue Origin Sells Grippable $69 ‘Rocket’ That Won’t Help The NSFW Jokes NSFW
Image via Estes
When the Blue Origin rocket took to the skies on July 20 for its first crewed flight, it got more sniggers than the Jeff Bezos company was possibly expecting, no thanks to its mushroom tip and long shaft. Now, the spacecraft has been replicated as a 1/66th scale, battery-operated toy for personal use.
But get your head out of the gutter, as it’s more of an outdoor gadget than an indoor one.
The Blue Origin-endorsed New Shepard model, designed by rocket model manufacturer Estes, is a true-to-scale collectible that can actually fly.
Image via Estes
When purchased with a C6-3 or C6-5 engine pack and a starter kit—which comes with a launch pad, engines, an electronic launch controller, and recovery wadding—it can lift off at up to 400 feet into the sky.
For the record, apart from being launchable, the model is only intended as a decorative piece. “The ready-to-fly New Shepard model is a perfect addition to your office shelf, or launch it to recreate the spaceflight for yourself!” Estes explains. So, yes, it’s SFW, and you can place it on your bedside table, if only as a display.
However, Gizmodo points out that internet users aren’t seeing the New Shepard collector’s item that way, especially since you can finally hold it in your hand. The promotional video’s comments section has been flooded with queries like, “Does it come with oil for lubricant?” and “Does it vibrate? Asking for a friend…”
“My sister has one of them in her drawer,” one YouTube user responds.
Video screenshot via Estes
Whether deliberate or not, the toy rocket is priced at US$69.99 on the Estes website, though Blue Origin took the liberty of rounding that up to US$70 on its own online shop.
Along with the collectible, customers will receive a postcard from Blue Origin’s Club for the Future inviting them to pen a message for the future. The note would be carried aboard a spaceflight, before being returned to the sender with the message, “Flown to Space.” Proceeds from the sales will help support Club for the Future and its programs, says Estes.
Preorders for the New Shepard model are now open on the Estes and Blue Origin online stores, with a limit of five units per buyer. It will officially penetrate the market in November.
Seriously? You couldn’t have chopped 30 cents from the price and made it twice as NICE? Try harder!🙄 pic.twitter.com/VI3BVOJ4E8
— Sanho Tree (@SanhoTree) August 26, 2021
Can't wait to see this in a x-ray.
— Josh Rosenbalm (@jdrbalm) August 26, 2021
[via Gizmodo, video and images via Estes]
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