One of SpaceX’s earliest employees is going to space—via Blue Origin

Hans Koenigsmann, a pivotal figure in the early days of SpaceX, is set to embark on a groundbreaking journey to space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard. Koenigsmann, who played a crucial role in developing the Falcon 1 rocket's avionics and later led mission assurance and safety, spent two decades with SpaceX before departing in late 2021. During his tenure, he became a respected leader, overseeing significant investigations into the Falcon 9 rocket's failures, and earned recognition as one of the most prominent German rocket scientists in the field. Now, he is looking forward to a new adventure, scheduled for next month, where he will fly alongside Michaela "Michi" Benthaus, a trailblazer in her own right. Benthaus, who suffered a spinal cord injury from a mountain biking accident in 2018, will make history as the first wheelchair user to venture into space. In an exclusive interview, Koenigsmann shared insights about how this remarkable mission materialized and reflected on the experience of collaborating with Blue Origin, a company that was once a competitor. Their paths crossed a few years ago when Benthaus sought his assistance in securing funding for a parabolic flight. Koenigsmann successfully connected her with OHB, which provided support for her travel expenses. Their relationship deepened when they met again at a drone competition in Munich, where Koenigsmann served as a judge. After their initial conversation about drones fell flat, they found common ground discussing their shared passion for space travel and the challenges they faced. With both ready to make their mark beyond the earth's atmosphere, this mission stands as a testament to the spirit of exploration and resilience. As Koenigsmann prepares for this significant flight, he reflects on the journey from his foundational work at SpaceX to this new chapter with Blue Origin, highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing human exploration of space.