A petition calling for Jeff Bezos to be blocked from returning to Earth following his trip to space now boasts over 150,000 signatures.
The 57-year-old Amazon founder is set to join the crew of his Blue Origin rocket, the New Shepard, when it launches into sub-orbital space in a mission on July 20 - a mere 15 days after he steps down as CEO of Amazon.
Launched by a user named Ric G from Ferndale in Michigan, the description on the Change.org petition criticizes Bezos for exacerbating the wealth gap.
This description reads: "The recent billionaire space odyssey competition is a slap in the face to working-class folks struggling paycheck to paycheck just to survive.
"Society is tired of propping up these handfuls of 'good-natured' entrepreneurs; only to later see pennies of their accumulated stash returned as 'thanks' and 'charitable contributions'."
It continues: "Only billionaires and greedy corporations exist in the way of turning philanthropy into sound public policy. Poverty, hunger, homelessness, good health, and well-being are simply matters that could be resolved through robust policy and bold political will.
"Billionaires and corporations should pay their fair share. Until then, Jeff Bezos can stay in space until he finds which intergalactic asteroid core contains his compassion and humanity."
The world's richest man announced he would be part of the crew of the maiden voyage of the New Shepard, along with his brother Mark Bezos, in a post shared on his official Instagram account on Monday, June 7
In a caption addressed to his 2.8 million followers on the platform, the billionaire wrote: "Ever since I was five years old, I’ve dreamed of traveling to space.
"On July 20th, I will take that journey with my brother. The greatest adventure, with my best friend."
CNN reports that the upcoming space mission will see the company's six-seater capsule and 59-foot rocket make an 11-minute-long flight more than 60 miles above the surface of the Earth.
In May, Blue Origin announced that a ticket aboard would be given to the winner of a month-long auction for a spare seat on the vessel.
Bezos stated in a separate Instagram post: "On July 20th, #NewShepard will fly its first astronaut crew to space."
He continued: "We are offering one seat on this first flight to the winning bidder of @BlueOrigin’s online auction. Starting today, anyone can place an opening bid by going to BlueOrigin.com.
"The winning bid amount will be donated to Blue Origin’s foundation, @ClubforFuture, to inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEM and help invent the future of life in space. This seat will change how you see the world."
After a 10-minute-long auction, the coveted ticket was eventually sold for the hefty price of $28 million.
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