this post was submitted on 30 Dec 2024
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Futurology

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Blue Origin is just about to launch its reusable heavy-lift 'New Glenn' rocket in a few days. Are we about to see a version of Aesop's tale of 'The Hare & the Tortoise' play out, with SpaceX playing the role of the hare?

This Sabine Hossenfelder video does a good job of laying out the argument - Jeff Bezos’ Space Plans Make More Sense Than Elon Musk's.

In summary, Blue Origin's plans are built around space stations in near earth orbit, while SpaceX's plans are for Mars colonization. It's far more likely Blue Origin's plans can be realized in the 2030s and 2040s. Apart from China, no one else will have a space station by around 2030 when the ISS goes - there will be no other choice but to look to commercial providers.

Blue Origin's plans for space stations designed as O'Neill cylinders with artificial gravity are the obvious next step on from ISS-type space stations.

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[–] Bronzebeard@lemm.ee 4 points 3 days ago (1 children)

You're the one who brought up the Mars colony. Not me.

I was only talking about the practical, currently existent rocket capabilities. I thought I made that abundantly clear.

[–] Tinidril@midwest.social 0 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

No, the original post brought it up. It was kinda the primary argument in the post you responded to at the top of this thread.

If you're arguing that SpaceX is currently ahead in rocket technology, then I'm not sure who you are arguing against.

[–] Bronzebeard@lemm.ee 4 points 3 days ago (1 children)

"about to pull ahead" is the topic of discussion here.

"About to" is neither far in the future, nor the present. Words have meaning, can you please stick to them?

[–] Tinidril@midwest.social 0 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Words like "You're the one who brought up the Mars colony."?

Get off your high horse.

[–] Bronzebeard@lemm.ee 1 points 3 days ago

In this thread line, when multiple comments had gone by without it being brought up at all? Yes. I was correct.