How would you measure the success of Blue Origin's New Shepard suborbital space tourism flights?

Introduction

Measuring the success of Blue Origin's New Shepard suborbital space tourism flights requires a comprehensive approach that considers multiple stakeholders and metrics. To address this product success metrics challenge, I'll follow a structured framework covering core metrics, supporting indicators, and risk factors while considering all key stakeholders.

Step 1

Product Context

Blue Origin's New Shepard is a reusable suborbital rocket system designed for space tourism. It offers paying customers a brief experience of spaceflight and weightlessness. Key stakeholders include:

1. Customers (space tourists)
2. Blue Origin (company)
3. Regulatory bodies (FAA, etc.)
4. Crew and ground staff
5. Investors and shareholders

The user flow typically involves:

1. Booking and payment
2. Pre-flight training and medical checks
3. Launch and spaceflight experience
4. Safe return and landing
5. Post-flight debriefing and merchandise

This product fits into Blue Origin's broader strategy of making space travel accessible and advancing space exploration technologies. Competitors include Virgin Galactic and SpaceX, though New Shepard offers a unique suborbital experience.

In terms of product lifecycle, New Shepard is in the growth stage, having moved past initial development and now focusing on scaling operations and improving efficiency.

Hardware considerations:

• Rocket manufacturing and refurbishment
• Launch facility infrastructure
• Safety systems and redundancies