The Karman Line

The Karman Line, best understood as the line where Earth ends and outer space begins, some 100 kms above the Earth’s surface. The  United Nations too has historically accepted the Karman Line as the boundary of space and if one wishes to earn Astronaut Wings then he/she has to cross the Karman Line

Branson and Bezos

Named after the Hungarian Aerospace pioneer Theodore Van Karman, the Karman Line has  come into focus since Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos travelled to the edge of space last month thus heralding a new business segment ‘Space Tourism’. Watching the Earth in its full splendour and experiencing weightlessness was a moment of a lifetime for both the pioneers and definite visionaries.

The millions spent on both the missions by Branson and Bezos  came up for sharp criticism from some quarters who harbour doubts about Space  Tourism. But with several rich vying for tickets to savour the experience, I am absolutely certain that Space Tourism is here to stay and infact we never know, what this may lead to in the future. Branson and Bezos undoubtedly have created a new business model and a new market.

My understanding of the Karman Line

However, I have a different take on the Karman Line and the achievements and/or the heavy spending by Branson and Bezos. For me what is important is the realisation of the dream and the vision of two men who defied the odds and made possible something which appeared unthinkable and was even laughed upon. The Karman Line for me is the line below which you have your comfort zone and above which is the unknown, the untravelled, the untested and the risky. Branson and Bezos dared to dream and had the courage to travel  beyond their Karman Line. 

Therefore, We all need to assess our Karman Line and should keep trying and striving to cross it and bring the uncomfortable into our comfort zone. Lets dare to dream and then pull all stops in realising it.

Lets keep redefining our Karman Line.