Did Jeff Bezos step down as the CEO of Amazon to focus on Blue Origin? Well, it seems that it is likely the reason as Reuters reported that the former Amazon CEO is looking forward to shifting Blue Origin into hyperdrive.
Reports said that Jeff Bezos is already spending more time in his space startup company, which he claims is his passion project. He wrote in his new book in late last year that "Blue Origin is the most important work I'm doing."
"I have great conviction about it, based on a simple argument: Earth is the best planet," Bezos wrote.
Blue Origin Falling Far Behind SpaceX
Blue Origin is not the only company that aims to get off Earth. Elon Musk's SpaceX currently leads the orbital transportation efforts and changing the tide of the space race, Futurism reported.
Just two years the junior of Blue Origin, SpaceX has made a growing number of trips, both crewed and uncrewed, to the orbit and the International Space Station (ISS). Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin has yet to deliver cargo or passengers to space and visit the ISS.
Moreover, there is also the contract between Blue Origin and NASA on the moon lander that will be used in future lunar exploration. Other companies granted this contact are SpaceX and Dynetics.
Blue Origin was able to present their full-scale prototype of the lander to the NASA Johnson Space Center but it still has a long way to go. According to the report, the lander still has velcroed pieces of foam as placeholders for scientific instruments and navigation dials.
On the other hand, Blue Origin's New Glenn two-stage orbital launch vehicle is the company's massive rocket that they hope to send to orbit some time this year. It is a reusable rocket that represents a major milestone for Jeff Bezos' space company venture.
With more time in his hands, people are expecting Jeff Bezos to dedicate more time to Blue Origin to kick into high gear and achieve reliable reusable flights to the orbit.
But seeing as how far behind Blue Origin is to SpaceX, it will inevitably be a game of catch up. Elon Musk's SpaceX is now making major moves towards developing a reusable heavy-lift vehicle that would someday carry the first humans to the lunar surface since the 1970s lunar mission.
Bezos Needs To Be Hands-On WIth Blue Origin
According to NBC News, an industry veteran advised Bezos to take a hands-on approach with the operational role in Blue Origin if he is to fix several problems in his space company.
These problems include bureaucratic processes, missed deadlines, high overhead, and engineer turnover. According to the industry expert, these problems started as the company seeks to transition from development to production across multiple programs.
The news outlet continued that a person familiar with the matter said that Bezos has no interest in immersing himself in daily operations, but instead would prioritize major initiatives and novel endeavors of the company.
Check out more news and information on Blue Origin in Science Times.
