#Space #NASA awards #Mars science mission to #BlueOrigin #NewGlenn rocket.
This is a "big deal" because Blue is years behind with New Glenn. Maybe it launches for the first time, later this year at Cape Canaveral. But #SpaceX has left them in the dust.
Also a "big deal" because it didn't go to SpaceX, the "Mars" company.
https://www.blueorigin.com/news/nasa-awards-mars-science-mission-launch-to-blue-origin-new-glenn/
@WordsmithFL A first step toward NASA cutting ties with Leon Skum?
@stueytheround #SpaceX has about 15,000 employees. Don't judge them all because the majority shareholder is a doofus.
That said, the industry needs competition. ULA used to be the sole-source until Elon broke the monopoly a decade ago. If Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin can break the SpaceX near-monopoly, it's good for the taxpayer and for the world.
But then people will complain about Bezos' flaws ...🙄