The Intelligence from The Economist Billionaires boldly go: private space-treks
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Jan 17, 2025 
Oliver Morton, Planetary Affairs Editor at The Economist, dives into the burgeoning private space industry and the recent successes of Blue Origin. He explores how billionaires are pushing the boundaries of space travel, affecting future exploration and commercial ventures. Anne Rowe, Obituaries Editor, honors the legacy of Peter Fenwick, a neuropsychiatrist known for his insights into near-death experiences. The conversation also touches on the societal implications of these advancements and the politics surrounding the new space race.
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Blue Origin's Successful Launch
- Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket successfully reached orbit on its first attempt.
- This is unusual for a maiden flight and positions them as a SpaceX competitor.
SpaceX Starship Test Flight
- SpaceX's Starship rocket had a partially successful seventh test flight.
- The booster landed successfully, but the upper stage was lost.
SpaceX's Lead
- Despite Blue Origin's success, SpaceX has a substantial lead in launch frequency and deployed satellites.
- SpaceX launched 134 times last year compared to Blue Origin's first orbital launch.
