Despite the recent success of New Shepard's first crewed flight, Blue Origin trails SpaceX and now faces serious internal backlash. Around 20 current and former employees highlight safety risks, sexist behavior, and a lack of commitment to planetary sustainability in a candid essay.
The mood at Blue Origin is far from positive. Long criticized by space enthusiasts for its competitive rivalries and project delays, the Jeff Bezos-founded company is now under fire from its own ranks. A former communications manager, backed by about 20 current and former employees, alleges pervasive sexism, intolerance toward staff, and lax safety standards.
These revelations appear in an essay published Thursday on the Lioness website.
“Blue Origin's culture ignores our planet's challenges, overlooks sexism, dismisses safety concerns, and silences those trying to fix issues,” the authors state. “This isn't the Earthly foundation we need—nor a launchpad to a better future.”
Employees also describe "dehumanizing experiences" and fear reprisals from "the world's richest man."
On safety, the group points to rushed efforts to boost New Shepard's flight rate. "An engineer signer notes Blue Origin has been fortunate so far," the essay states. Many authors say they wouldn't fly on it themselves.
The FAA responded swiftly to SpaceNews, taking the "allegations very seriously" and planning an investigation.
Ars Technica consulted several Blue Origin employees post-publication, who confirmed elements of truth, especially criticisms of Jeff Bezos and CEO Bob Smith.
“Dissent is suppressed. Smith instructed one of us to limit questions at town halls—a rare open forum.”
The essay cites Bezos' post-Epic Systems ruling push for arbitration clauses, stripping court dispute rights.
“In 2019, new contracts included non-disparagement clauses binding employees and heirs from harming company goodwill." Departing staff may also cover legal fees if sued.
This essay could further damage Blue Origin. Its July crewed New Shepard flight reached 100 miles, a milestone—but delays persist.
Recent setbacks include losing a NASA lunar lander contract, an unsuccessful appeal, and now a lawsuit against NASA in U.S. Federal Claims Court, frustrating the agency, SpaceX, and observers.
A Pentagon contract loss delayed New Glenn's debut to 2022. Blue Origin missed the Air Force's National Security Launch Program, awarding billions to SpaceX and United Launch Alliance for 2022-2027 launches.
