An entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the 670th person to cross the Karman Line into space.

Joined November 2024
25 Photos and videos
J.D. Russell retweeted
Sophia Space has secured $10 million in seed funding to boost the progress of space-based edge computers and orbital data centers. “We’re moving from concepts to reality,” said CEO Rob DeMillo. “This investment shows a shift towards orbital-compute infrastructure.” The funds will expedite advancements in their orbital computing systems and unique thermal technology. 🚀 The pace of progress is amazing and visualising through these renders is so exciting.
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Honored to represent Alpha Funds at Helix Mastermind at Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito, California. Grateful to join a forum on the new orbital economy and how in orbit capabilities are reshaping timelines, partnerships, and business models. #HelixMastermind #Orbital #space
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J.D. Russell retweeted
PLEASE WELCOME SPACE FOR HUMANITY'S NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS! We’re thrilled to announce that Sirisha Bandla, Viren Mehta, and J.D. Russell have joined Space for Humanity’s Board of Directors. Each brings extraordinary experience, perspective, and passion that will help launch S4H's newest missions. Sirisha Bandla is an aeronautical engineer, commercial spaceflight leader, and astronaut who flew on Virgin Galactic’s Unity 22 mission. With deep experience at the intersection of space, policy, and research, she brings a powerful global perspective to our work. Viren Mehta is a global healthcare advisor and founder of Mehta Partners, with decades of experience expanding access to life-saving care worldwide. His background in biopharma, philanthropy, and global health adds invaluable insight into impact-driven leadership. J.D. Russell is an entrepreneur, investor, and astronaut who has flown twice with Blue Origin. Founder of Alpha Funds and AlphaAero, as well as the Victoria Russell Foundation, J.D. brings a unique blend of aerospace investment expertise and mission-driven philanthropy. Please join us in congratulating Sirisha, Viren, and J.D.! We’re incredibly excited for the insight, leadership, and energy they bring as we continue working to democratize access to space and the transformative power of the Overview Effect. @RyanKriser @dylan @katvoltage @YemiAlchemist @Mach3Angel @space_rach @SpaceGuy670 @SirishaBandla #2Space4Earth #BoardofDirectors #Leadership #Space
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I’m incredibly proud of the history made today on #BlueOrigin NS-37. Michi Mühü Benthaus has become the first person using a wheelchair to travel to space, an extraordinary milestone that proves space truly is for everyone.
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The future of computing for large language models in space data centers is supported by a growing wave of investment in space infrastructure as a core thesis. wsj.com/tech/now-tech-moguls…
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J.D. Russell Speaks on Space Tech at Latin American Business Council which included President of Ecuador and President of the Dominican Republic apnews.com/press-release/ein…

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Happy Space-versary NS-28. Launch was one year ago today! @spacekidsglobal @thespacegal @hank58 @alitteral @blueorigin #space #newshepard
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Wishing @JeffBezos well in his new endeavor as Co-CEO of a new artificial intelligence venture, Project #prometheus, alongside co CEO @vikbajaj. The company has raised more than 6 billion dollars to build transformative AI for engineering and manufacturing.
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NG-2 launch, is planned for Sunday, November 9 at 2:45 p.m. ET from LC-36. The mission will deploy @NASA ESCAPADE twin spacecraft on their journey to Mars, and will host a @viasat technology demo for Communications Services Project. @blueorigin #Space #Astronaut
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Huge congratulations to Jared Isaacman @rookisaacman on his re-nomination as @nasa Administrator! Your journey from entrepreneur to commercial astronaut and now heading NASA embodies bold leadership and a spirit of exploration. With @DrSianProctor
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I am proud to be a part of the @TheGSpaceAwards Recognizing and celebrating the visionaries redefining Space and its commercial opportunity. Honoring innovation, ambition, and the extraordinary impact of space.
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A behind the scenes look at @Forbes in NYC during @FashionWeek with @nguyen_amanda. Learn more @RiseNowUS
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September 11, 2001 I was a senior in high school. That day inspired me to become a police officer. Two weeks after graduation I became a police cadet. I will never forget. #NeverForget911 #September11th #HonorAndRemember
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Wally Funk was one of the trailblazing women of Mercury 13. After she finally soared into space on Blue Origin’s NS-16 mission in July 2021, she was presented with the first Blue Origin Astronaut Pin. This pin has been awarded to every Blue Origin Astronaut since.
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I’m so excited to be walking as a model at #NYFW, supporting survivors of sexual violence at the Survivor Fashion Show. Be a part of New York’s most famous week, and support survivors, by following along at @risenow.us or survivorfashionshow.com
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🚀 Honored to share this list of only 9 private astronauts who have journeyed into space over the Kármán Line twice.
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