Explore the race: SpaceX vs Blue Origin Full Comparison
As humanity sets its sights on Mars, two private space companies offer radically different paths forward. SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s New Glenn each bring a unique design philosophy, mission profile, and launch strategy to the table.
🔧 Technical Specifications
- SpaceX Starship
- Height: 394 ft (120 m)
- Engines: 33 Raptor engines on booster + 6 on upper stage
- Fuel: Liquid Methane (CH4) + Liquid Oxygen (LOX)
- Payload: 100–150 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- Reusability: Fully reusable (booster and ship)
- Test Milestones: First orbital test in 2023, five total by mid-2025
- Blue Origin New Glenn
- Height: 322 ft (98 m)
- Engines: 7 BE-4 engines on first stage + 1 BE-3U on second stage
- Fuel: Methane + LOX
- Payload: 45 tons to LEO, 13 tons to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO)
- Reusability: First stage only
- Test Milestones: First orbital flight targeted for early 2026
📊 At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | SpaceX Starship | Blue Origin New Glenn |
| Height | 394 ft | 322 ft |
| Total Engines | 39 | 8 |
| Payload to LEO | 100–150 tons | 45 tons |
| Fuel Type | Methane + LOX | Methane + LOX |
| Reusability | Fully reusable | First stage only |
| First Launch | 2023 (orbital test) | Expected 2026 |
| Primary Objective | Mars colonization | Orbital & lunar support |
🇺🇸 Why This Competition Matters
From job creation to national pride, the rivalry between SpaceX and Blue Origin is revitalizing American leadership in space.
- Texas (Boca Chica) is now a hub for innovation and testing.
- Florida (Cape Canaveral) continues its legacy with next-gen rockets.
- Both companies support NASA Artemis and future Mars missions.
Their combined efforts not only compete with but complement one another, pushing the U.S. closer to a permanent presence beyond Earth.
❓ FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
What sets Starship apart from New Glenn?
Starship is fully reusable with larger capacity and interplanetary goals. New Glenn is partially reusable and focused on commercial and lunar operations.
Who is closer to landing on Mars?
SpaceX has the lead with multiple tests completed and a clear Mars objective by 2030.
Why does New Glenn matter if it’s not going to Mars yet?
Its role in establishing space infrastructure and logistics is critical to long-term sustainability off-Earth.
Are both funded privately?
Yes, with support from government contracts like NASA’s Artemis for lunar delivery.
Which company has better reusability?
Starship is designed for full reusability including both stages, whereas New Glenn reuses only its first stage.
🌌 Final Thoughts
Beyond the specs, numbers, and engines lies a deeper mission: to ensure humanity has a future beyond Earth. Whether we leap forward with Starship or build slowly with New Glenn, the journey is no longer a dream—it’s a launch window away.
Read more:
1. SpaceX vs Blue Origin: Who’s Winning the Race to Mars? | Elon Musk vs Jeff Bezos
2. Mars Mission Showdown: SpaceX Starship vs Blue Origin New Glenn