Blue Origin has rolled out a new stock incentive plan amid employee unrest and competitive pressure from SpaceX. The previous options were set to expire without payout, sparking anger among staff who watched colleagues at SpaceX profit from share sales. The new plan adds external funding rounds and tender offers as liquidity events, aiming to retain talent in the fierce space race.

The revamped scheme comes as SpaceX prepares for an IPO valued at $1.75tn, offering employees substantial profit opportunities. Blue Origin's new plan sets a $9.50 strike price for options, with CEO Dave Limp confirming the company has no immediate IPO or sale plans. Bezos must balance avoiding outside investment while meeting employee compensation demands that have propelled SpaceX to market leadership.

Blue Origin aims for positive gross profit margins by 2029 while targeting 8-12 launches this year with its New Glenn rocket. Despite a FAA setback following its first flight failure, the company maintains a robust customer pipeline. Bezos, the sole shareholder and primary funder, continues to subsidize government contracts that cost more than they pay, highlighting the financial challenges of competing in the commercial space market.