[rbanffy]

First-mover advantage is usually overrated. SpaceX is incurring in huge risks to prove a market hypothesis. When it's proven, other companies will follow. Blue Origin is right behind them.

SpaceX is following a series of failed initiatives - the Shuttle, SSTOs like the DC-X and Venturestar - and trying lots of seemingly crazy things in the process. Let's not get carried away by survivorship bias.