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Blue Origin and SpaceX are the new rivals in commercial space exploration after the Soviet Union and the United States. But will either of them dominate the galaxy?
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No doubt that the space economy has become very profitable, and with the rise of private companies in the space industry, we may witness exponential growth in the near future. But even so, SpaceX vs Blue Origin’s race to outdo each other may be the new normal!
Let’s find out more about these billionaire space fans.
SpaceX and Blue Origin Full Comparison
SpaceX and Blue Origin were initiated almost at the same time by eccentric billionaire geniuses.
Today, these companies are renowned leaders and fierce rivals in the private spacecraft sector. However, they have interesting similarities.
Enabling Satellite Internet Constellation
SpaceX has been working with Starlink to provide low-cost internet services. They have already installed 2,000 satellites and plan to launch 12,000 more. Coincidentally, these two companies (Starlink and SpaceX) belong to the same person, Elon Musk, today’s world’s wealthiest man.
Common Interests
Both SpaceX and Blue Origin are fascinated by space exploration. They are revolutionizing the aerospace industry, hoping to achieve commercial success in space tourism and the internet market.
These companies aim to revolutionize space travel by embracing reusability. Hence their continuous development of reusable rockets – a concept that other players in the industry have replicated.
SpaceX and Blue Origin are historical rivals operating in the same industry but with diverse goals. Thankfully, their rivalry has helped accelerate space industrialization and does not prevent them from focusing and strategizing on their goals.
SpaceX vs Blue Origin: Side by Side Comparison
As their fight for space exploration continues to heat up, these companies are preparing to launch their largest rockets!
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A look into what to expect from Blue Origin’s and SpaceX’s Heaviest Rockets
SpaceX vs Blue Origin: What’s the Difference?
These two companies have lots of similarities, but they also differ significantly.
1. Motive
SpaceX’s grand ambition is to settle humankind on the red planet. They believe that making humanity a multi-planetary species will help save the human race if something ever happens to the Earth. On the contrary, Blue Origin envisions a future where people can live and work in space – a move they consider beneficial for our home planet (Earth).
2. Achievements
SpaceX is operating in a more favorable state. Its rockets (Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy) and Dragon spacecraft are proven hardware that the company has already launched and commercialized. And today, they are building a more advanced and heavy machine- the Starship.
Needless to say, Blue Origin is equally capable of matching the competition. Their first commercialized flight, the New Shepard suborbital rocket, is operational. And they are developing a more powerful flight, “New Glenn,” expected to launch next year (2023).
SpaceX’s vehicles have achieved a top altitude of 363miles at a speed of 24,600mph, while the highest attained by Blue Origin’s spacecraft is 62.4 miles at a speed of 2,234 mph.
3. Approach to Space Tourism
Blue Origin sold a ticket to space on their New Shepard suborbital rocket for $28 million in July 2021. They also claim to have sold tickets worth $100 million for future travels. SpaceX has the same strategy. They plan to charge $55 million per ticket to the International Space Station (ISS).
4. Business Strategy
SpaceX is commercializing space by expanding exploration capacities and communication technologies to reduce the cost of touring beyond the Earth’s Orbit. Cost reduction is also Blue Origin’s main focus. However, their primary approach is to industrialize outer space and build a road to pave the way for future generations to tap into suborbital opportunities.
SpaceX vs Blue Origin: Must-Know Facts
Facts about SpaceX
- SpaceX is an American company in the spacecraft manufacturing, space launch, and satellite communication business.Its formation took place in 2002Its headquarters is in Hawthorne, California. It has four launch facilities: Vandenberg Space Force Base Space Launch Complex, Brownsville South Texas Launch Site, Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex, and Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex.It is the first private spaceflight company to launch its workhorse Dragon Cargo spacecraft to the ISS. It has launched three vehicles (Falcon 1, Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy) and built four rocket engines (Raptor, Merlin, Kestrel, and Draco).The company made its first successful launch in December 2015.SpaceX founded Starlink, a satellite internet constellation that provides internet access to 34 states. Its founder Elon Musk, is also the CEO of Tesla Motors and a co-founder of PayPal.
Facts About Blue Origin
Are You Excited about Space Habitation?
Space exploration is a costly affair but very exciting. However, weighing the pros and cons of space habitation before taking a bold move like Blue Origin and SpaceX could be wise. So, as we look at the possibilities of saving planet Earth by commercializing space, we need to assess how every action impacts the entire universe.
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