Business Wars SpaceX vs Blue Origin | Burning Up | 3
Jan 18, 2021
In a gripping tale from 2005, SpaceX faces dire challenges and logistical nightmares as it seeks to launch the Falcon 1 rocket. Tension rises during a pivotal Pentagon meeting, where the team battles established giants like Boeing. Mechanical failures add to their struggles while Blue Origin, led by Jeff Bezos, makes strides in the private space race. The stakes are high for Musk, whose financial woes threaten his ambitious goals. The podcast captures a moment of fierce competition that could shape the future of space exploration.
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SpaceX's Island Adventure
- In 2005, SpaceX faced delays at Vandenberg Air Force Base for Falcon 1's test launch.
- They relocated to Kwajalein Atoll, a remote Pacific island.
SpaceX vs. United Launch Alliance
- SpaceX lobbyist Lawrence Williams tried to stop the United Launch Alliance deal.
- He argued it created a monopoly, but the Pentagon prioritized reliability.
First Launch Attempt Failure
- SpaceX's first Falcon 1 launch attempt from Kwajalein failed due to a liquid oxygen leak.
- The team had to abort the mission and retrieve the rocket.
