Blue Origin CEO resigns, Amazon exec takes over amid rocket delays and culture concerns

Blue Origin CEO Bob Smith announced his resignation after 6 years leading Jeff Bezos's space company. He will be replaced by Amazon exec Dave Limp.
Under Smith, Blue Origin won major NASA contracts but has lagged behind rival SpaceX. Its New Glenn rocket is delayed and space tourism stalled.
Employees complained of a toxic culture and lack of trust in leadership under Smith, according to a 2021 Post investigation.
Dave Limp takes over amid delays in Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket and loss of NASA contract to SpaceX in 2021.
Blue Origin aims to launch Kuiper internet satellites to compete with SpaceX Starlink but is still awaiting its first launch.

washingtonpost.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/1/2023

Bezos snubbed Musk's SpaceX for huge satellite launch contract, Amazon shareholder says

An Amazon shareholder lawsuit accuses the company of favoritism towards Blue Origin over SpaceX due to Jeff Bezos' personal rivalry with Elon Musk, resulting in the exclusion of SpaceX from valuable satellite launch contracts.

9/13/2023

Musk and Bezos: The Billionaire Space Race Rivals

Elon Musk's new biography reveals that he was upset with Jeff Bezos for not inviting him to tour Blue Origin's factory after Bezos toured SpaceX, leading to an awkward dinner and a long-standing feud between the two billionaires in the space race.

9/21/2023

Dead Space creator Glen Schofield departs Striking Distance Studios after Callisto Protocol disappoints

Glen Schofield, founder and CEO of Striking Distance Studios, is leaving the studio to pursue new opportunities, along with the departures of the chief operating officer and chief financial officer, after The Callisto Protocol failed to meet sales expectations; Steve Papoutsis will take over as CEO.

10/2/2023

Blue Origin Shuffles Orbital Reef Staff, Partnership Sours as Company Pivots Space Station Plans

Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos's aerospace company, is expected to dissolve its corporate partnership with Sierra Space to build a commercial space station as it shifts its focus to other projects such as a moon lander contract with NASA and an in-space mobility project.