Blue Origin is revisiting the question of whether to reuse the second stage of its New Glenn rocket. A recent job posting for a Director of "Reusable Upper Stage Development" suggests a shift toward reuse. This internal debate mirrors SpaceX's early struggles, highlighting the complex economics of space launch and the trade-offs between cost and reusability.

For years, Blue Origin has weighed the costs of building a reusable upper stage against simply cutting manufacturing expenses. The company's first-stage reusability is established, but the upper stage, known as GS2, remains a financial hurdle. Manufacturing costs for this component are high, potentially exceeding $50 million per unit.

The pressure to find a reusable solution is mounting, especially with the planned 9x4 version of New Glenn. This variant, with four BE-3U engines, could see upper stage manufacturing costs reaching $100 million. The success of SpaceX demonstrates the potential of reusability to achieve lower launch costs and sustainable business models.

Ultimately, the decision on New Glenn's upper stage will significantly affect Blue Origin's long-term competitiveness. The company is betting on the future of reusable rockets, and this move could have a profound effect on the space launch industry. The industry will be watching to see what happens next.