Blue Origin insists New Glenn on track for launch

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is on track to be launched before the end of 2024.

Before that can happen, the company needs to receive regulatory approval so it can complete the crucial final tests on the massive structure.

Known as ‘hotfire’, the last preparation stage involves powering up all seven engines and firing them at full power while the rocket remains perched on the surface.

The company made a statement on Monday (Dec. 9) to repeat its commitment to the existing schedule for New Glenn’s inaugural mission, NG-1, which will carry the Blue Ring Pathfinder payload. It will be tasked to complete tests for the Blue Ring orbit transfer vehicle.

Paul Ebertz, Blue Origin’s Senior VP for In-Space Systems, said,  “We’re excited to demonstrate Blue Ring’s advanced in-space operations on New Glenn’s inaugural mission.

“Blue Ring plays a critical role in building a road to space, and this mission is an important first step for Blue Ring and enabling dynamic and responsive operations that will greatly benefit our nation,” he added. 

Earlier this year, Jeff Bezos’ aerospace firm completed its first crewed mission in two years.

While we wait for regulatory approvals for hotfire and launch, here’s a photo (and a bonus video) of our “chilling” GS1. This marks the first time we’re tanking our first stage with liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen (LOX). The first stage LOX tank is nearly 30,000 cu.… pic.twitter.com/S9wDtCUFNI

— Dave Limp (@davill) December 8, 2024

New Glenn is a 320-foot-tall rocket, capable of carrying 45 metric tons (99,200 pounds) into low Earth orbit, considerably more powerful than United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur and SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy in its reusable configuration.

It doesn’t quite measure up to SpaceX’s Starship, the largest rocket ever built, which is designed to carry 100 to 150 metric tons to low earth orbit. 

The maiden flight for New Glenn could have been much different, with plans hatched to take a pair of satellites to Mars in a landmark mission for NASA. This was slated for a launch window in October, but the U.S. space agency pushed back the project, on the basis that problems could arise with New Glenn.

In hindsight, that appears to have been the correct decision, but it has aspirations for a later New Glenn launch in the spring of next year

Image credit: Via Midjourney

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