#38 The Space Barons Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the Quest to Colonize the Cosmos

Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, two titans of the private space industry, have reinvigorated the space race with their respective companies, SpaceX and Blue Origin. Musk, known for his brash, fast-paced approach, has pushed SpaceX to remarkable achievements, including the development of reusable rockets and securing major contracts with NASA. Meanwhile, Bezos, embodying the methodical and patient "tortoise" to Musk's "hare," has quietly advanced Blue Origin, focusing on incremental progress and long-term goals. Both driven by a mix of business opportunity, adventure, and ego, they have each made significant strides in space exploration, demonstrating that rivalry can be a powerful motivator for innovation. As they continue to compete and collaborate, their efforts signal a new era of space travel, with the potential for multiple entities to succeed and contribute to humanity's expansion into the cosmos.

• The successful landings of rockets by Musk and Bezos marked a new era in space exploration.
• Reusability of rockets was seen as a solution to the wasteful practice of discarding rockets after a single use.
• The rivalry between Musk and Bezos was characterized by public and legal disputes.
• Musk was seen as the more public and audacious figure, while Bezos was secretive and methodical.

"For decades, the first stages of rockets were ditched into the ocean after powering their payloads to space. To Musk and Bezos, this was an incredible waste, like throwing away an airplane after flying from New York to Los Angeles."

The quote emphasizes the inefficiency of single-use rockets and introduces the innovative approach of reusability championed by Musk and Bezos. It sets the stage for the theme of revitalizing the space industry through sustainable practices.

• Bezos used wealth from Amazon to start Blue Origin, a rocket company.
• Amazon's success was built on a slow and steady approach, despite criticism.
• Bezos's confidence in Amazon's strategy was unwavering, even in the face of negative press.
• The story of Bezos's near-death experience in a helicopter crash highlights his risk-taking for Blue Origin.

"Amazon's strategy was get big fast, luring customers with the convenience of the Internet and low prices that the site was becoming known for."

This quote summarizes Amazon's early business strategy, which was later mirrored in Bezos's approach to space exploration with Blue Origin—methodical and patient growth.

• Bezos was inspired by space since childhood and saw NASA as a source of inspiration.
• The founding of Blue Origin was prompted by a conversation with Neil Stevenson, encouraging immediate action.
• Bezos and his team explored alternatives to chemical rockets but ultimately focused on reusability.
• Blue Origin aimed to revolutionize space travel with reusable rockets, which was a radical idea at the time.

"NASA is a national treasure, and it's total bull that anyone should be frustrated by NASA."

This quote from Bezos defends NASA and underscores his lifelong inspiration from the agency, contradicting the narrative of frustration with NASA's progress post-Apollo missions.

• Musk's childhood entrepreneurial endeavors and challenges are highlighted.
• Musk's success with Zip2 and PayPal provided the capital for his space ambitions.
• Musk was driven by the desire to make humanity multiplanetary to safeguard against extinction events.
• Musk's disappointment with the lack of a NASA plan for Mars colonization led to the founding of SpaceX.

"Musk was in many ways, like a younger version of Beal."

The quote draws a parallel between Musk and Andy Beal, another entrepreneur with space ambitions, suggesting a lineage of visionary thinkers in the private space industry.

• Musk read extensively on rockets and decided to build his own, despite skepticism.
• SpaceX's goal was to lower the cost of space travel and make it accessible.
• Musk's approach differed from Bezos's, being more aggressive and public-facing.
• The acquisition of Beal's old rocket facility in McGregor, Texas, was a significant step for SpaceX.

"The best bet, he thought, is to colonize Mars."

This quote encapsulates Musk's ultimate vision for space exploration and the driving force behind SpaceX, highlighting the ambitious goal of Mars colonization.

• Elon Musk aimed to challenge the traditional business model in the space industry dominated by established companies.
• Musk incorporated Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) on March 14, 2002, despite skepticism from friends.
• Friends of Musk considered staging an intervention due to his lack of experience in space and the ambitious nature of starting a rocket company.

"try to upend the government dominated business model that Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop, and others had been feasting on for years."

"A billionaire with no experience in space could not start up a rocket company and a man's space program. Just ask Andy Beal."

The quotes highlight Musk's disruptive entry into the space industry, challenging the status quo and the skepticism he faced due to his inexperience.

• Musk built a rocket in just over a year but initially failed to capture NASA's interest.
• To garner attention, Musk showcased his rocket at the FAA's 100th anniversary celebration of the Wright brothers' first powered flight.
• The event at the National Air and Space Museum served as a platform for Musk to demonstrate his commitment to space exploration.

"Musk had built a rocket in just over a year. He couldn't get anyone at NASA to pay attention."

"And Musk decided he'd show up and bring his new rocket."

These quotes illustrate Musk's determination to break into the space industry and his strategic move to gain visibility by aligning with a significant historical event in aviation.

• SpaceX's headquarters was unconventional, featuring a relaxed atmosphere with games and a small, talented team.
• Musk impressed NASA officials with his knowledge of rocket engineering and his intense determination.
• His approach to problem-solving was fearless, characterized by a willingness to ask questions and work long hours.

"Employees had set up ping pong and air hockey tables and rode around on a segway."

"Musk was intense, prenaturally focused, and extremely determined."

The quotes depict the unique culture at SpaceX and Musk's personal attributes that contributed to the company's early success.

• Musk sued NASA over a $227 million sole-source contract awarded to Kissler Aerospace, highlighting issues of crony capitalism.
• Musk's willingness to challenge NASA legally was seen as risky but ultimately led to a victory that allowed SpaceX to compete for future contracts.
• SpaceX's mantra was to set audacious goals and remain undeterred by obstacles.

"Musk was incensed and felt that the contract was unfair, if not illegal."

"That victory with the GaO was important for the future of SpaceX."

These quotes capture Musk's fight against what he perceived as an unfair system and his resilience in pursuing justice, which paid off for SpaceX.

• Jeff Bezos' approach with Blue Origin was characterized by secrecy, patience, and a willingness to experiment.
• Bezos' long-term vision was symbolized by his investment in a 10,000-year clock and his motto of taking methodical, ferocious steps.
• The contrast between Bezos' and Musk's approaches mirrored the fable of the tortoise and the hare, with Bezos as the patient tortoise and Musk as the fast-moving hare.

"While Musk thrust his rocket under the spotlight on Independence Avenue, Bezos kept his company's work hidden."

"Slow is smooth and smooth is fast."

These quotes contrast the different strategies of Bezos and Musk in the space industry, with Bezos favoring a slow and steady approach while Musk takes bold, swift actions.

• The book discusses the influence of the Wright brothers and the space race on modern space entrepreneurs.
• Sputnik's launch led to the creation of ARPA (later DARPA), which paved the way for the internet and, by extension, Jeff Bezos' fortune.
• Bezos' grandfather, Lawrence Preston Geese, served at ARPA and had a profound influence on Bezos' interest in space and technology.

"Sputnik births ARPA, right? ARPA later called DARPA, births the Internet. The Internet then births Jeff Bezos fortune and Jeff Bezos' fortune. Then births, which he then invests into rocket technology and births blue origin."

"Jeffrey Preston Bezos."

These quotes connect the historical dots from the space race to the personal history of Jeff Bezos, illustrating the intergenerational transfer of inspiration and the cyclical nature of technological advancement.

• Bezos' childhood experiences on his grandfather's ranch taught him self-reliance and patience.
• His early exposure to science fiction and his time at a NASA spaceflight center fueled his passion for space.
• Bezos' valedictorian speech already outlined his vision for humanity's future in space, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to the idea.

"Bezos was shipped off to the ranch, where he spent every summer for the age of four to 16."

"By the time he got to high school, Bezos' passion for space merged with his prodigious intellect and curiosity."

These quotes provide insight into the formative experiences that shaped Bezos' character and his enduring interest in space exploration.

• Jeff Bezos attended a Sotheby's auction in 1993 for Russian space artifacts.
• Bezos was outbid due to insufficient funds, indicating the inaccessibility of space-related items to him at the time.
• This anecdote illustrates that situations can change over time.

"In 1993, when Jeff Bezos was 29, he went to an auction at Sotheby's that was selling artifacts from Russia's space program."

This quote highlights Bezos's early interest in space and sets the stage for his future endeavors in space exploration with Blue Origin.

• Blue Origin's website was initially discreet, not openly associating with Bezos.
• The company's goal was to establish a lasting human presence in space.
• Blue Origin's job ads required passion for space, preference for working in a small company, and exceptional technical skills.
• The company emphasized building hardware over mere presentations.

"Applicants needed to be highly qualified and dedicated individuals who would meet the following criteria. You must have a genuine passion for space."

This quote reflects Blue Origin's rigorous hiring standards, seeking individuals deeply committed to the mission of space exploration.

• Bezos was patient and focused on long-term goals.
• He believed in the importance of repetition in reinforcing ideas, such as patience and taking time.
• Bezos maintained Amazon's startup culture, emphasizing the concept of "Day One" to avoid complacency.

"You have to be very long term oriented. I love this idea."

Bezos's commitment to long-term thinking is encapsulated in this quote, demonstrating his approach to both Amazon and Blue Origin.

• Blue Origin aimed to create infrastructure for humanity in space.
• The company followed a step-by-step approach, focusing on technical and organizational foundations.
• Bezos used metaphors like exploring an unexplored mountain to describe the company's journey.
• Core principles included steady progress, sustainable spending, and realistic expectations about the difficulty of the path.

"We have been dropped off on an unexplored mountain without maps, and the visibility is poor."

This metaphor by Bezos conveys the challenges and uncertainties faced by Blue Origin in pioneering space exploration.

• The personal spaceflight industry operates under the assumption that fatalities are inevitable.
• Historical expeditions, such as crossing the Atlantic or exploring the poles, also involved risks and fatalities.
• Innovators like Gus Grissom acknowledged and accepted the risks involved in space exploration.

"Unfortunately, the personal spaceflight industry must proceed assuming that a fatal accident is inevitable."

This quote captures the sobering reality that space exploration, like any frontier, involves significant risks, including the loss of life.

• Visionaries imagine possibilities before builders make them a reality.
• Bezos and Musk are examples of individuals who persist despite criticism and setbacks.
• The importance of encouraging risk-taking and innovation to advance humanity is emphasized.

"The dreamers come first. It's always the science fiction guys. They think of everything first, and then the builders come along and they make it happen."

This quote underscores the symbiotic relationship between those who dream of what could be and those who work to make those dreams come true.

• SpaceX received funding from NASA, which was seen as insignificant by established aerospace companies.
• The industry underestimated SpaceX, allowing it to grow into a formidable competitor.
• The narrative illustrates the constant nature of change and the pitfalls of underestimating new entrants.

"For SpaceX, the $278,000,000 is a windfall."

This quote signifies a turning point for SpaceX, receiving crucial funding that helped propel the company forward despite skepticism from traditional aerospace players.

• SpaceX cultivated a lean and innovative culture, attracting talent with the promise of creative freedom.
• The company demonstrated resourcefulness by repurposing materials and questioning costs.
• SpaceX's approach challenged the status quo and traditional methods in the aerospace industry.

"We're lean and mean. If you come work for us, you're going to have a lot of creative license."

This quote reflects SpaceX's culture, which encourages innovation and efficiency, setting it apart from legacy aerospace companies.

• Bezos named Blue Origin's first vehicle after Robert Goddard, a pioneer of modern rocketry.
• Like Goddard, Bezos faced skepticism but remained committed to his long-term vision for space exploration.
• The story of Goddard serves as an example of perseverance in the face of criticism and ridicule.

"Every vision is a joke until the first man accomplishes it. Once realized, it becomes commonplace."

This quote from Goddard, which Bezos admired, encapsulates the journey from being ridiculed for ambitious ideas to achieving them and setting new norms.

• Elon Musk champions first principles thinking, challenging existing dogmas and regulations.
• SpaceX lobbied to remove outdated regulations, reducing costs significantly.
• Innovative solutions were implemented, such as using steel box beams for flame duct extensions, saving 90% of the traditional cost.
• SpaceX's culture of scrappiness and smart spending was crucial to its survival during cash flow challenges.
• Questioning even the smallest details, like the design of latches, led to significant cost savings and increased reliability.

"These regulations don't apply anymore because technology has surrendered them obsolete." "We had to be super scrappy, Elon said. If we did it the standard way, we would have run out of money for many years." "Each locker required two latches, which cost one $500 and had 20 to 25 parts... it costs $30."

These quotes highlight the importance of questioning existing practices and finding innovative, cost-effective solutions.

• The Obama administration's decision to empower the free market in space exploration led to increased opportunities for companies like SpaceX.
• The government's shift in approach allowed private companies to demonstrate their capabilities and ingenuity.
• Musk's interaction with Obama during a tour at Cape Canaveral reflects the high stakes and uncertainty in the space industry.

"Obama is in the White House at the time. He cancels George Bush's... constellation program... We're going to empower the free market to do it."

This quote discusses the government's role in facilitating private sector involvement in space exploration.

• Entrepreneurship is a practice, not an art or science, and requires learning from observations and lessons.
• Common themes among entrepreneurs include resourcefulness, optimism, and frugality.
• Jeff Bezos's experience at Amazon and other entrepreneurs' stories illustrate the deep-seated value of frugality in business success.

"Whether it's Yvonne Chouinard... or Jeff Bezos... frugality goes deep." "I don't think there's such thing as an expert in entrepreneurship."

These quotes underscore the importance of frugality and the iterative nature of entrepreneurship.

• Blue Origin's use of citric acid for engine nozzle cleaning demonstrates the company's innovative and cost-effective approach.
• Jeff Bezos's focus on efficiency and cost-saving measures reflects a broader entrepreneurial mindset of continuous improvement.

"Now I'm the largest purchaser of lemon juice in the country, Bezos told her."

This quote exemplifies the innovative and frugal solutions employed by Blue Origin to reduce costs.

• SpaceX's ability to quickly resolve issues, such as the stuck valve on the Dragon spacecraft, demonstrates the company's agility and problem-solving skills.
• The rapid and creative solution to the stuck valve problem impressed NASA officials and highlighted SpaceX's innovative culture.

"The SpaceX team knew that if pressure could be built ahead of the valve and then it was suddenly released, that might just deliver the kick needed to jar the valve open."

This quote shows SpaceX's effective and quick problem-solving capabilities in critical situations.

• The rivalry between Musk and Bezos is characterized by their distinct approaches: Musk's aggressive tactics versus Bezos's disciplined silence.
• Blue Origin's methodical progress contrasts with SpaceX's more public and confrontational style.

"Musk fired off an email with an epic takedown of his new competitor... Frankly, I think we are more likely to discover unicorns dancing in the flame dock." "Bezos was sticking to his own advice, written in Blue's founding letter a decade earlier. Be the tortoise and not the hare."

These quotes contrast the different styles and philosophies of Musk and Bezos in their space endeavors.

• Musk discusses the challenge of maintaining a culture of innovation and paranoia as SpaceX grew larger.
• After experiencing a failure, Musk emphasized the importance of retaining a fear of failure to drive success.

"The vast majority of people at the company today have only ever seen success. You don't fear failure as much."

This quote reflects on the complacency that can arise in successful companies and the need to maintain a healthy fear of failure.

• Jeff Bezos's satisfaction with Blue Origin's successful reusable rocket launch reflects the fulfillment derived from long-term, difficult endeavors.
• Blue Origin's focus on reusability aims to make space travel more accessible and cost-effective.

"The things that you work hardest for, for the longest period of time, always bring you the most satisfaction."

This quote captures the sense of achievement Bezos feels from Blue Origin's progress after years of effort.

• Bezos and Musk acknowledge the value of competition in driving the space industry forward.
• The space race between the United States and the Soviet Union is cited as historical evidence of competition's role in spurring progress.
• Musk and Bezos's rivalry is seen as a modern parallel to the original space race, with the potential to drive humanity's next giant leaps in space exploration.

"Rivalry, it turned out, was the best rocket fuel."

This quote encapsulates the motivating power of competition in the pursuit of ambitious goals in the space industry.