Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Blue Origin has just taken a big step with its newest rocket engine called the Blue Engine 4. They are not only trying to improve their technology, but they are also going after SpaceX, the leading company in the rocket engine world. So what exactly did Blue Origin do? And can they finally catch up to SpaceX? Let’s look into it.
Blue Origin and SpaceX have been in competition for a long time. Their rivalry started years ago when Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk had a disagreement about space technology during a dinner event after a space conference. That argument turned into one of the most well-known rivalries in the space world.
In 2013, both companies wanted to take control of Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. SpaceX won the lease, and Blue Origin tried to fight back legally but lost. The next year, SpaceX sued Blue Origin to cancel a patent that involved landing rockets at sea. Again, SpaceX won the case.
Then in 2021, Blue Origin sued NASA after they gave a contract for the lunar lander to SpaceX. That case was also dismissed. And most recently in June 2024, Blue Origin tried to get the Federal Aviation Administration to limit how many times SpaceX could launch its Starship rocket from Kennedy Space Center. Elon Musk responded by calling the move an attempt to use legal action to slow them down.
While Blue Origin has lost most of these battles, they have not stopped pushing forward. Behind the scenes, they have been working quietly. And on July 12, Blue Origin began sharing some big updates from their new CEO, Dave Limp.
Dave posted photos from inside their rocket engine factory. The pictures showed rows of completed Blue Engine 4 rockets. These engines are meant to power Blue Origin’s big rocket called New Glenn. According to Dave, they already have seven engines ready for New Glenn’s second flight, plus one extra as a backup. This is a major step for Blue Origin.
Blue Origin has just taken a big step with its newest rocket engine called the Blue Engine 4. They are not only trying to improve their technology, but they are also going after SpaceX, the leading company in the rocket engine world. So what exactly did Blue Origin do? And can they finally catch up to SpaceX? Let’s look into it.
Blue Origin and SpaceX have been in competition for a long time. Their rivalry started years ago when Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk had a disagreement about space technology during a dinner event after a space conference. That argument turned into one of the most well-known rivalries in the space world.
In 2013, both companies wanted to take control of Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. SpaceX won the lease, and Blue Origin tried to fight back legally but lost. The next year, SpaceX sued Blue Origin to cancel a patent that involved landing rockets at sea. Again, SpaceX won the case.
Then in 2021, Blue Origin sued NASA after they gave a contract for the lunar lander to SpaceX. That case was also dismissed. And most recently in June 2024, Blue Origin tried to get the Federal Aviation Administration to limit how many times SpaceX could launch its Starship rocket from Kennedy Space Center. Elon Musk responded by calling the move an attempt to use legal action to slow them down.
While Blue Origin has lost most of these battles, they have not stopped pushing forward. Behind the scenes, they have been working quietly. And on July 12, Blue Origin began sharing some big updates from their new CEO, Dave Limp.
Dave posted photos from inside their rocket engine factory. The pictures showed rows of completed Blue Engine 4 rockets. These engines are meant to power Blue Origin’s big rocket called New Glenn. According to Dave, they already have seven engines ready for New Glenn’s second flight, plus one extra as a backup. This is a major step for Blue Origin.
