7 unknown facts about SpaceX rival Blue Origin that you didn’t know

When we talk about private space companies, Elon Musk’s SpaceX often dominates the conversation.

That said, the tech billionaire and Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, has been building its reputation as a major player in the aerospace industry.

Founded in 2000, Blue Origin has pursued human spaceflight, commercial payload delivery, and long-term infrastructure development with a methodical approach.

Here are seven surprising facts about Blue Origin that you might have never heard before.

A motto that defines strategy

Blue Origin’s guiding principle is captured in its Latin motto, “Gradatim Ferociter”, which means “Step by Step, Ferociously.”

Unlike SpaceX, which is famous for its fast-paced, risk-heavy approach, Blue Origin has deliberately chosen to move slowly, prioritising rigorous testing and long-term planning.

Pioneered reusable rocket landings before SpaceX

Blue Origin achieved reusable rocket milestone first. In November 2015, Blue Origin’s New Shepard became the first rocket to launch, reach space, and return safely for a vertical landing.

This milestone came one month before SpaceX’s Falcon 9 pulled off its now-iconic landing.

Blue Origin named its vehicle after space legends

Blue Origin has a tradition of honoring pioneers of space history through its vehicle names. Its suborbital rocket, New Shepard, commemorates Alan Shepard, the first American in space.

The heavy-lift rocket New Glenn is named after John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth. Similarly, its proposed lunar lander Blue Moon follows the theme.

Owns massive land in Texas for secretive testing

Blue Origin’s West Texas facility near Van Horn spans more than 165,000 acres, making the company one of the largest private landholders in the state.

The site hosts rocket engine testing, astronaut training, and New Shepard launches.

However, the remote location ensures both safety and privacy, keeping sensitive operations away from public eyes.

Focuses on in-house manufacturing

Unlike many aerospace firms that outsource production, Blue Origin invests heavily in vertical integration, meaning it designs and builds much of its technology internally.

Its main facility in Kent, Washington, handles design and engine development, while its Huntsville, Alabama factory, focuses on the powerful BE-4 engines.

Sent William Shatner into Space at age 90

In October 2021, Blue Origin made headlines when it launched Star Trek legend William Shatner aboard New Shepard.

At age 90, Shatner became the oldest person to fly to space, a record that drew international attention.

Building a commercial Space Station

Beyond rockets, Blue Origin is partnering with Sierra Space and other companies to build Orbital Reef, a commercial space station set to operate in low Earth orbit.

Designed for scientific research, industrial use, and even space tourism, the project is supported by NASA under its Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations programme.