Summary
In a recent speech at the Humans to the Moon & Mars Summit, Dave Limp, CEO of Blue Origin, emphasized the importance of collaboration between commercial companies like his own and government agencies like NASA in exploring the Solar System. Limp, who has no background in the space industry, believes that commercial companies can take on a larger role in developing transportation and infrastructure to meet national objectives established by government leaders. He argued that leaving it to governments to provide expensive vehicles for human spaceflight is not the most efficient way forward.
The Need for Commercialization
Limp pointed out that NASA’s heavy-lift launcher, the Space Launch System (SLS), and crew capsule, Orion, are expensive vehicles costing over $4 billion per launch. In contrast, commercial rockets like SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s New Glenn are capable of matching or exceeding SLS’ lift capability and are already being used in NASA’s Artemis program to land US astronauts on the Moon. Limp believes that commercial companies can take a zero, and over time maybe two zeros off the cost of launching payloads to space.
The Role of Government
Limp acknowledged that there is still a need for government commitment to human spaceflight, particularly when it comes to exploring the Moon and Mars. He emphasized the importance of having conviction in the national objectives established by governments and working together with commercial companies to achieve them.
Blue Origin’s Plans
Limp highlighted Blue Origin’s plans to develop its Blue Moon lander, which will attempt to become the largest spacecraft to ever land on the Moon. The company is also working on a human-rated version of the lander, called MK2, which will require refueling to reach the lunar surface.
The Future of Space Exploration
Limp ended his speech by emphasizing the need for collaboration and cooperation between governments and commercial companies in space exploration. He believes that by working together, they can achieve more ambitious missions and make human experience on other planets a reality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Limp’s speech highlights the importance of collaboration and commercialization in space exploration. By working together with government agencies like NASA and private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, we can make human spaceflight a cost-effective and sustainable endeavor. As Limp emphasized, it is essential to have conviction in national objectives and work towards achieving them through efficient means.
The Budget Proposal
Limp did not directly address the White House’s budget proposal, which includes a 25 percent cut to NASA’s overall budget and a plan to replace SLS and Orion flights with more cost-effective commercial systems. However, he emphasized the importance of having research dollars to support projects like building factories on the Moon.
The Need for Institutional Knowledge
Limp highlighted the need for institutional knowledge and expertise in space exploration. He emphasized that the government can help provide funding and resources for research projects, but also acknowledged that private companies will be essential in developing new technologies and achieving ambitious missions.
Blue Origin’s Future Plans
Blue Origin has big plans for its future, including launching a human-rated version of its Blue Moon lander and establishing a presence on the lunar surface. Limp emphasized that these achievements would be the envy of any space industry startup not named SpaceX.
The Culture at Blue Origin
Limp talked about the culture at Blue Origin, which has been criticized for being slow to move compared to rival company SpaceX. He acknowledged that Blue Origin had "zero incentive" to operate like SpaceX in the past but emphasized that it is now a business with a clear vision and mission.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Limp’s speech highlights the importance of collaboration and commercialization in space exploration. By working together with government agencies like NASA and private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, we can make human spaceflight a cost-effective and sustainable endeavor.