Vulcan and BE-4 Inaugural Flight

Full disclosure I am an employee of Blue Origin, but I do not work on any of the programs mentioned.

A new chapter of space exploration began. At 2:18 AM in Cape Canaveral the two Blue Origin BE-4 engines roared to life and brought the next generation ULA Rocket to space. A huge milestone for both companies with a lot to prove.

ULA was once the uncontested leader of space launches, but after a rough decade tonight's flawless launch reaffirms their place as a premium launch provider. Similarly, Blue Origin, a billionaire-backed company, has had much to prove, having shown little over its 20-year history. The perfect operation of a brand new engine on its first rocket is a marvel of engineering that for the first time showcases what Blue has been cookin.

ULA's claim to fame, their 100% mission success, likely continued into the next generation with tonight's launch, setting a high bar for other launch vehicles. Successfully lifting a new rocket off the ground requires immense talent, dedication to excellence, and engineering prowess, as demonstrated this evening. The Vulcan, a configurable rocket, is specifically designed to deliver U.S. National Security payloads into high-energy orbits with unparalleled accuracy, surpassing even the Falcon 9. Additionally, Vulcan's substantial backlog of commercial missions suggests that it remains a dominant force in the industry.

The overall system working is a feat, but getting engines right on the first try is just as impressive. Building rocket engines is no small feat and it is no surprise that ULA opted to outsource the development of their engines. The only reason that this engine architecture makes financial sense is because Blue Origin has much much larger aspirations than just supplying the Vulcan rocket.

"Gradatim Ferociter" aptly describes Blue Origin's trajectory, as it transitions from meticulous planning to delivering tangible results like tonight. The anticipated 2024 launch of New Glenn, previously subject to valid criticism, has gained a lot of credibility. Tonight's event significantly bolsters confidence in Blue Origin's capabilities and solidifies its position in the space industry.

As the dawn breaks over Cape Canaveral, and the payload coasts towards the moon. The echoes of a historic launch linger, marking the beginning of a new era in space exploration. Tonight's success is not just a testament to the technological marvels of ULA and Blue Origin, but also a beacon of inspiration for the future of space travel. ULA reaffirms its prowess as a premier launch provider, while Blue Origin has now demonstrated its engineering excellence and strategic foresight. This collaborative achievement in successfully launching the Vulcan rocket sets a new standard in the industry. Looking ahead, the eagerly awaited New Glenn launch in 2024 is now poised to be a defining moment, further cementing Blue Origin's emerging leadership in the space sector.

Full disclosure I am an employee of Blue Origin, but I do not work on any of the programs mentioned.