The world's richest person and the world's second-richest person appear to have put their long-standing feud into orbit with dueling missile launches.
on thursday, Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin launched its massive seven-engine, 320-foot The new Glenn rocket in orbit, marking the first test flight. And later that day, Elon MuskSpaceX launched its Starship rocket, which exploded in flight, but its Super Heavy rocket booster was captured by “chopsticks” on the landing pad successfully.
After the flights, the billionaire rockets exchanged compliments on social networks, instead of the mockery we are more used to seeing.
“Well done, @Jeff Bezos and the Blue Origin team!” Musk wrote in X after the launch of New Glenn.
bravo, @JeffBezosand the Blue Origin team! https://t.co/wbezf3UP11
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 16, 2025
“Congratulations to you and the entire SpaceX team on the flawless booster capture! Very impressive,” Bezos wrote on X, responding to Musk giving an update on the Starship explosion.
Thanks to you and the entire SpaceX team for the perfect booster capture! Very impressive.?
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) January 17, 2025
This online harmony marks a turning point in the billionaires' relationship with the public. They have been at odds over the plans and ambitions of SpaceX and Blue Origin — publicly mocking each program's achievements and Musk accusing Bezos of trying to poach his scientists. They have also joked about the title of the richest person in the world over the years. (If you're keeping track, Musk is way ahead in that race, with an estimated net worth of $439 billion to Bezos' $240 billion.)
Related: SpaceX launches its most dangerous mission with a billionaire on board
This new beauty comes a little earlier Inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, where both men and legions of tech leaders are expected to attend.
Recognizing the weirdness of their online top-five and perhaps the silliness of their feud, Musk wrote on X posted a gif on X from the movie “Step Brothers,” featuring the classic exchange between Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly: “Just did we become best friends?
He then responded to a Tweet showing the two billionaires at lunch 21 years ago, apparently having an epic food fight.
Wow, a lot has happened in 21 years! https://t.co/QNoOWuIfLP
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 16, 2025