The space race of the 21st century isn’t just between nations—it’s between billionaires. And when it comes to public jabs and technical takedowns, Elon Musk doesn’t hold back, especially when it comes to Jeff Bezos‘ Blue Origin.
In today’s deep dive, we’re exploring the mocking comment Musk made about Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, why he doesn’t take it seriously, and how it compares to SpaceX’s advanced space vehicles like Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon.
A Mocking Jab Heard Around the World
In 2021, during a Code Conference interview with journalist Kara Swisher, Elon Musk took a playful yet pointed jab at New Shepard’s design. When asked about the unusual, somewhat suggestive shape of the rocket, Musk quipped:
“If you are only doing suborbital, then your rocket can be shorter.”
That line earned laughter, but it also highlighted a major technical truth: New Shepard isn’t built for orbital spaceflight—it’s designed solely for suborbital tourism. This distinction puts Blue Origin at a significant disadvantage in the new space economy.
Suborbital vs. Orbital: The Real Divide
What is Suborbital Spaceflight?
Suborbital flights reach space but don’t complete a full orbit around Earth. They offer:
- A quick boost past the Kármán line (100 km above Earth)
- A few minutes of weightlessness
- A return back to Earth—all within 11 minutes
This is New Shepard’s mission profile. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers but falls short of real space missions.
What is Orbital Flight?
In contrast, orbital spacecraft like SpaceX’s Crew Dragon are designed to:
- Stay in space for days or weeks
- Dock with the International Space Station
- Carry astronauts and cargo
- Endure intense re-entry temperatures
Elon Musk’s point was clear: If you’re not going to orbit, you don’t need a powerful rocket.
The Size (and Shape) Controversy
Musk’s joke wasn’t just about engineering. It was also a subtle dig at Blue Origin’s rocket aesthetics. The phallic design of New Shepard has been widely mocked online, and Musk’s quip added fuel to the fire.
But behind the humor is a real technical limitation. Because New Shepard doesn’t reach orbit:
- It needs less fuel
- Faces lower re-entry speeds
- Requires a simpler heat shield
In short, it’s less complex, which is why Musk dismisses it as a “space toy”.
SpaceX vs. Blue Origin: A Tale of Two Rockets
New Shepard: The Space Tourism Experience
Let’s take a look at what New Shepard offers:
- Reaches space in about 2 minutes
- Passengers float in microgravity for 4 minutes
- Lands gently using parachutes
- Requires minimal training
Each seat costs around $300,000 and passengers can bring up to 3 pounds of personal items.
While the experience is breathtaking, it’s primarily entertainment, not exploration.
Crew Dragon: Real Missions, Real Challenges
Crew Dragon, on the other hand, is a fully functioning orbital spacecraft that:
- Can spend weeks in space
- Regularly transports astronauts to the ISS
- Supports scientific research
- Is NASA-certified
Its advanced features include:
- PICA-X heat shields (withstand temps up to 1,927°C)
- SuperDraco engines for launch abort scenarios
- Touchscreen navigation and automated docking
Each seat costs $55 million, but prices may drop to $10–12 million in the future thanks to reusability and scale.
Blue Origin’s Late Orbital Entry
Despite being founded in 2000, two years before SpaceX, Blue Origin didn’t reach orbit until early 2025 with its New Glenn rocket. That’s nearly two decades behind SpaceX, which launched its first orbital mission in 2008.
This delay didn’t go unnoticed. When NASA awarded SpaceX a $2.9 billion contract for a lunar lander in 2021, Blue Origin filed a protest—a move that came off as sour grapes.
NASA’s decision was simple: SpaceX had a proven record. Blue Origin did not.
Musk’s Praise: Sarcastic or Sincere?
When New Glenn finally launched successfully, Musk surprised many by tweeting:
“Well done Jeff Bezos and the Blue Origin team.”
Was this genuine respect? Perhaps. But it also underscored a larger truth:
“True strength doesn’t fear competition—it celebrates progress.”
Yet, many saw this as Musk offering a backhanded compliment—especially after years of sarcastic digs.
The Real Heat Test: Re-entry Comparison
Let’s get technical. The re-entry speed and temperature differences between the two spacecraft are massive:
| Feature | New Shepard | Crew Dragon |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed on Re-entry | ~8,000 mph | ~17,500 mph |
| Max Temperature | ~1,500°F | ~3,500°F (1,927°C) |
| Heat Shield Type | Basic Thermal Shield | PICA-X Reentry Shield |
So while New Shepard may look cleaner after landing, it’s simply because it faced less heat and friction. Crew Dragon’s scorch marks? They’re badges of survival.
Training: A Day vs. Years
New Shepard: Spaceflight Light
Passengers train for about 14 hours across a few days. Training includes:
- Safety protocols
- Launch simulations
- A physical fitness test (e.g., climbing a 7-story tower)
It’s short, simple, and safe—but limited.
Crew Dragon: Astronaut-Level Intensity
SpaceX astronauts spend months to years training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, including:
- Emergency procedures
- Docking techniques
- Life support systems
- Psychological stress training
- EVA (spacewalk) simulation
Astronauts like Butch Wilmore and Sunni Williams have spent months stranded in space, proving that Crew Dragon can handle real adversity.
Experience vs. Exploration
Here’s the core distinction:
- New Shepard is an experience—fun, thrilling, and short.
- Crew Dragon is an exploration platform—engineered for long-duration missions and real science.
So when passengers aboard New Shepard’s NS-31 mission in April 2025 referred to themselves as “astronauts,” it stirred debate. Four minutes of floating doesn’t quite measure up to months in orbit or complex spacewalks.
Rocket Rivalry or Maturity in Motion?
The Musk vs. Bezos rivalry may seem like a meme-worthy clash of egos, but it’s actually a symbol of two opposing visions for the future of space:
- Blue Origin sees space tourism as the entry point to mass space adoption.
- SpaceX is laser-focused on interplanetary travel and Mars colonization.
Which Vision Will Win?
In the long run, both companies may find their place. But right now, SpaceX is leading by every metric:
- More launches
- More astronauts flown
- More hardware reused
- Deeper partnerships with NASA and private sector
Even the newly launched New Glenn has a long way to go before it can compete with Starship or Falcon Heavy.
Final Thoughts: Is New Shepard a Space Toy?
Let’s be fair—New Shepard is a marvel of engineering in its own right. It brings space a little closer to the everyday person. But from a technical and mission-driven standpoint, it doesn’t compete with SpaceX.
Musk’s critiques—though snarky—point to valid differences in design, purpose, and ambition. Crew Dragon and Starship are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. New Shepard, at least for now, is just giving people a peek at the edge.
Key Takeaways
- New Shepard is built for suborbital tourism, not real space missions.
- Crew Dragon can support ISS dockings, long stays, and real scientific research.
- Musk’s comments may be cheeky, but they reveal a real technological gap.
- Blue Origin is finally launching orbital missions, but has a long way to go.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between Blue Origin’s New Shepard and SpaceX’s Crew Dragon?
The key difference lies in mission scope. New Shepard is a suborbital space tourism vehicle offering short 11-minute flights, while Crew Dragon is an orbital spacecraft designed for long-duration missions, including transport to the International Space Station.
2. Why did Elon Musk mock Blue Origin’s New Shepard?
Elon Musk made a playful jab at New Shepard’s short design and limited capabilities, implying it’s more of a space toy compared to SpaceX’s orbital rockets like Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon.
3. Has Blue Origin ever reached orbit?
Yes, in early 2025, Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket successfully reached orbit for the first time. Before that, the company focused solely on suborbital flights with New Shepard.
4. How much does a seat on New Shepard cost?
A seat on New Shepard costs approximately $300,000, providing a short space experience with 4 minutes of weightlessness.
5. How long do Crew Dragon astronauts train before a mission?
Crew Dragon astronauts typically undergo months to years of training at NASA facilities, preparing for life support systems, emergency procedures, orbital navigation, and psychological challenges of space.
6. Is New Shepard considered a real spacecraft?
While technically a spacecraft, New Shepard is limited to suborbital flights and lacks the systems and durability required for orbital missions or long-term space habitation.
7. Why does Crew Dragon look scorched after re-entry while New Shepard does not?
Crew Dragon returns from high-speed orbital missions, causing intense heat during re-entry, which scorches its surface. New Shepard’s slower suborbital descent generates far less heat, so its exterior remains cleaner.
8. Can anyone fly on New Shepard?
Yes, most healthy adults can fly after completing about 14 hours of basic training. The flight is designed to be accessible with minimal technical knowledge or fitness.
9. What is the training like for New Shepard passengers?
Training includes simulations, physical fitness assessments, and safety protocols, typically completed in a few days. It is far less intensive than astronaut training for orbital missions.
10. Will SpaceX reduce the cost of space travel in the future?
Yes. With reusable technology like Falcon 9 and Starship, SpaceX aims to lower launch costs. Experts predict Crew Dragon seat prices could drop from $55 million to as low as $10–12 million in the future.
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