Bezos Firm Tests Escape Pod for Rocket

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has hit another milestone in helping NASA develop safe and affordable private space travel. His Blue Origin company successfully tested the launch of a new crew-escape system, and Space.com has a video of the unmanned pod's gentle return to solid ground. It uses a "pusher" system that would allow astronauts to escape "without the need to jettison the unused escape system," something traditional models haven't achieved, says the company. Earlier this month, Blue Origin successfully tested the rocket engine that will blast its Space Vehicle into orbit. (More Jeff Bezos stories.)