Musk vs Bezos, Will a Space Version of May-Wol-Dong-Ju Happen? [Reading Science]

Bezos's Amazon Struggles to Launch Small Satellites for Space Internet Network
Musk's SpaceX Wants to Use Starship, a Giant Launch Vehicle in Final Development Stage
Mutual Benefits Possible: SpaceX Resolves Management Issues, Bezos Secures Launch Capacity

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] A modern-day version of the ancient Chinese idiom "Wuyue Tongzhou" (吳越同舟) is expected to unfold in space. Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, famously known as billionaire rivals, are joining forces in the space launch vehicle market. The idiom "Wuyue Tongzhou" means that no matter how bitter the enmity, people will cooperate when faced with a common crisis.

According to the Washington Post (WP) and other sources on the 2nd (local time), Amazon, founded by Bezos, has reached out to Musk's SpaceX for the mass launch of satellites for the Kuiper project, which aims to build a space internet service. Amazon intends to reserve cargo space on the Starship, a super heavy-lift launch vehicle nearing completion.

Amazon initially received approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2020 for its space internet business and promised to launch low Earth orbit satellites and establish an internet network by July 2026. The number of planned small satellites to be launched is as many as 1,600. The problem is that Amazon has yet to secure a reliable launch vehicle. Due to various reasons, satellite launches have been delayed, causing frustration. In April, Amazon announced contracts for a total of 83 launches with United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur, Blue Origin's New Glenn, and Arianespace's Ariane 6, but no actual launches have taken place yet.

With the deadline approaching, Amazon is earnestly seeking collaboration with SpaceX. However, since the Falcon 9, which is actively in use, has a fully booked schedule, Amazon is considering using larger launch vehicles such as Falcon Heavy or the Starship, which is about to undergo test flights. Dave Limp, Amazon's Senior Vice President, said in an interview with WP on the 27th of last month, "Launch capacity sufficient to deploy Kuiper satellites on time is a limited resource at this point. We are willing to negotiate with SpaceX. Given their track record, it would be crazy not to." He added, "Since Starship is now entering the final stages of development, it is a very viable candidate for us. Many launch vehicles are emerging these days, but securing launch capability is very difficult and will remain so for a considerable time."

Whether SpaceX will accept Amazon's proposal remains uncertain. SpaceX is the pioneer in space internet services. If Amazon's Kuiper project is established, it would create a rival in what has been a monopolistic market. However, SpaceX is also reportedly struggling financially due to delays in Starship development. In December last year, Musk warned all employees via email that "if we do not achieve a Starship flight every two weeks by next year, we will face a real risk of bankruptcy."

From SpaceX's perspective, securing the contract for launching Amazon's Kuiper project satellites, which is currently the largest in the space launch vehicle market, would significantly aid its management. If SpaceX accepts Amazon's offer, the famously rivalrous Bezos and Musk would end up cooperating in a "Wuyue Tongzhou" manner, helping each other despite their rivalry in the U.S. business world.