Amazon founder Jeff Bezos stated that the United States must prevail over China in the race to reach the lunar surface, expressing confidence that an American crew will land there in 2028. In an interview with Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier, Bezos outlined his strategy for Blue Origin, the role of artificial intelligence in the economy, and the potential for data centers in orbit. The conversation took place on the factory floor of Blue Origin in Cape Canaveral, Florida, coinciding with Fox News Channel's 30th anniversary.
Bezos emphasized that a sustainable lunar presence requires routine cargo deliveries. He noted that while Mars remains a long-term destination, the moon offers proximity and resources that make it a necessary first step. According to Bezos, lunar soil could be used to manufacture solar cells, and oxygen produced on the moon could serve as rocket propellant. He described the goal not as a single mission, but as establishing a real sustainable lunar base.
Blue Origin is preparing to return its New Glenn rocket to flight in December, following an explosion during an engine test in May. Bezos said the next flight will carry Blue Ring, a vehicle designed to transport payloads into different orbits. The company is building three additional launch pads to increase annual launches from one pad from 12 to 50. Bezos stated his long-term ambition is to fly every minute, a goal he acknowledged draws skepticism from his own team.
On the financial front, Bezos revealed that he has personally invested $28 billion in Blue Origin. The company recently raised $10 billion from outside investors for the first time. He indicated that an initial public offering could occur several years from now, stating he wanted to ensure the company was a good investment for external shareholders before taking on outside capital.
Bezos also shared his views on artificial intelligence, predicting that productivity gains could allow some families to live on one income or support themselves with a shorter workweek. He argued that AI could generate double-digit productivity gains across the economy, potentially leading to a labor shortage as workers choose to work less. At Prometheus, where Bezos is a co-founder and co-CEO, the company aims to develop an artificial general engineer that helps people turn ideas into physical products. Bezos stated the goal is to make engineering tools so easy to use that anyone can become an engineer.
Addressing concerns about an AI investment bubble, Bezos said it is very hard to know if one exists but argued that useful technology survives even when investors lose money. He cited lifesaving drugs developed during the biotechnology boom and fiber-optic cables laid during the internet boom as examples of enduring innovations. Regarding government oversight, Bezos urged a light regulatory approach while the technology is developing, suggesting rules should focus on harmful uses rather than restricting the underlying technology.
Bezos pointed to Blue Origin's Project Sunrise as a solution to data center energy costs. The company has filed with the Federal Communications Commission seeking approval for a constellation of over 50,000 satellites intended to function as space-based computing infrastructure. He affirmed that placing data centers in space is feasible and justified.
The interview also touched on political criticism of billionaires. Responding to comments from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Bezos rejected the idea that business success makes one a villain. He acknowledged real affordability problems, particularly in housing, but argued that government policies subsidizing demand while restricting construction drive prices higher. He cited Austin as an example of a city making it easier to build housing and urged voters to scrutinize politicians who assign blame rather than offer solutions.