> SpaceX are undeniably a world leading aerospace engineering company and very likely would still be if he wasn't associated with them in my opinion.
How much has Blue Origin put into orbit? They've had as much money and more time than SpaceX, but aren't lead by Elon Musk, and how do they compare today?
Blue Origin have been consistently disappointing. The leadership of Bezos and Bob Smith had a lot to do with their lack of achievement but that might change with Smith gone though they are still persisting with the stupid sub-orbital joy rides which will never be wildly profitable or lead to other things. BE-4 production still seems very slow which hasn't been good for ULA but there is at least signs of movement with New Glenn with a launch scheduled this year.
I do read books and I acknowledge Musk was a bit more than just the money man in early SpaceX. Perhaps I am too cynical but I think many people are prone to cults of personality and over-estimating the impact of individuals. SpaceX is well beyond being a founder's plaything. If they were truly dependent on Musk's micro-management they would have a very serious bus problem for an organization of their size and importance.
How much has Blue Origin put into orbit? They've had as much money and more time than SpaceX, but aren't lead by Elon Musk, and how do they compare today?