Blue Origin New Glenn Launch Date: Second Flight Targeted for Spring

Blue Origin Prepares for Second New Glenn Launch

Blue Origin, the aerospace firm founded by Jeff Bezos, is gearing up for a second launch attempt of its New Glenn mega-rocket. The anticipated timeframe for this launch is “late spring,” as communicated by the company on Monday.

Alongside the launch preparation, Blue Origin has reportedly pinpointed the cause of the booster stage failure that occurred during the initial flight’s landing attempt in January. The incident involved a failed landing on an ocean platform.

Corrective Actions Identified

Following a comprehensive review, mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Blue Origin has outlined “seven corrective actions.” These improvements primarily address enhancements to propellant management and engine bleed control.

All findings and proposed solutions have been submitted to the FAA for review and approval. This demonstrates Blue Origin’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

Significance of New Glenn

New Glenn represents Blue Origin’s inaugural rocket designed for achieving Earth orbit. The company envisions utilizing this powerful launch vehicle for missions extending beyond Earth’s orbit as well.

Successfully demonstrating the rocket’s capabilities, including reliable and repeatable performance, is crucial for Blue Origin. It will allow the company to effectively challenge SpaceX, currently the leading provider in the launch services market.

Development and Initial Flight Details

The 320-foot tall rocket has undergone years of development, encountering several postponements. The first test flight finally took place in January.

While the rocket’s second stage successfully reached orbit, issues arose during the booster’s return to Earth. Specifically, three of the booster engines failed to ignite correctly for a controlled re-entry and landing, as Blue Origin stated on Monday.

Blue Origin intends to attempt another booster landing during the New Glenn’s second test flight, incorporating the identified corrective actions to improve the likelihood of success.