Hans Koenigsmann, the former SpaceX engineer who led investigations into all of SpaceX's rocket failures, is now set to embark on a journey into space. But here's where it gets intriguing: He's chosen to fly on Blue Origin's New Shepard, despite his extensive experience with SpaceX. This decision has sparked curiosity and raised questions among his peers and the public alike.
In an exclusive interview, Koenigsmann reveals the thought process behind his bold move. He explains that his primary concern was not just safety, but also the ethical implications of his decision. As a parent, he pondered, "Would I let my children fly on New Shepard?" This personal reflection became his guiding principle.
Koenigsmann's journey began with a casual conversation with a colleague, who asked him about his thoughts on becoming an astronaut. This led him to consider the possibility, and he soon realized that his expertise in rocket safety and his desire to explore space aligned perfectly with Blue Origin's mission.
When asked about his concerns, Koenigsmann acknowledges the potential conflicts of interest. He worked for SpaceX for two decades, and now he's flying on a competitor's rocket. But he emphasizes that his decision was not solely based on personal ambition. He engaged in thorough discussions with colleagues, both within and outside SpaceX, and surprisingly, no one advised against it.
The key factor for Koenigsmann was the safety of New Shepard. He delved into technical discussions with Blue Origin engineers, and his confidence in their safety measures grew. He believes that the thoughtful and correct answers he received during these conversations solidified his decision.
This story highlights the complex interplay between personal ambition, professional expertise, and ethical considerations in the world of space exploration. Koenigsmann's journey serves as a reminder that even in the realm of rocket science, human values and personal choices play a significant role.
