The same rocket has now launched and landed three times. They've recovered the capsule each time as well, but the rocket is the big news.
If they can do this a few more times, expect people to be on the top of the rocket by the end of the year.
I'm super happy for Blue Origins, and I hope the stock boost and revenue they get from this project will lead to a reusable rocket that will take payloads to LEO. I know that's their goal, and it's a good approach. That being said I absolutely HATE the media "BLUE ORIGINS BEATS SPACEX" crap that they spread. They are in two completely different applications. One is launching tourists "really high", the other is sending paid client payloads into LEO and GTO, AND they have a successful landing of the first stage too. The differences are so vast that I hate the media playing each of them against each other. It's like comparing GM to Boeing. Bezos quote when they landed their booster of "welcome to the club" to Musk was just kind of annoying, but I get why he did it. They are both doing absolutely awesome things, and it makes me happy and hopeful for space exploration. But the media isn't doing the industry any favors by pretending what BO and SpaceX are doing are the same thing. It further spreads ignorance about space exploration. Sorry to go off on a tangent. Just something I'm passionate about. :)
A fair point, and totally true. But when they mess with my space shit... IT'S PERSONAL.
The media sucks. This must mean it is time for one of my "fuck the media" posts, but, naw, I'm in too good of a mood. The media does not care about facts, reality or information. The media cares only about conflict, and if they have to make up a conflict to sell the narrative, they will in a heartbeat. Bezos is building a tech base that is going to do amazing things. SpaceX is building a tech base that is doing amazing things RIGHT NOW, in a different market segment. Both deserve to be cheered on.
EXACTLY. I'm just glad some people understand the difference. They ARE both doing amazing things, even if different. I'm impressed SpaceX can return a first stage back to the pad. I'm impresses the BO has actually re-used a stage. Both HUGE accomplishments. As a space nerd it's easy to see the difference, but to the average citizen they either don't care or hear the media's manufactured competition. But at the end of the day, stuff is advancing so I guess it's win win.