Jeff Bezos joined the orbital elite with the launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket this morning.
The flight, dubbed NG-1, was beset by delays proper as much as the launch window opening at 0600 UTC on January 16, 2025. Because it was, the T-0 time ended up being 0703 UTC, and the New Glenn rose from Launch Advanced 36 at Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station below the facility of its seven BE-4 engines.
New Glenn launches (pic: Blue Origin) – click on to enlarge
The first objective of the mission was to achieve orbit. Recovering the primary stage would have been a bonus, nevertheless it was finally unsuccessful. Stage separation occurred roughly three minutes after lift-off, with a pair of BE-3U engines persevering with the ascent of the higher stage.
An excited commentator confirmed that three of the primary stage’s seven BE-4 engines had relit for the descent, however telemetry from the automobile froze shortly after, and it was later confirmed that the stage had been misplaced, though the corporate didn’t present any particulars.
Blue Origin was cautious to handle expectations relating to the restoration of the primary stage within the run-up to the launch, though it might want to crack that specific nut whether it is to realize the cadence and prices anticipated. It took SpaceX a number of makes an attempt earlier than landings of the Falcon 9 began appearing routine.
Failed restoration apart, the mission’s major goal was to achieve orbit, and New Glenn achieved that, with the Blue Ring Pathfinder payload reaching its ultimate goal orbit. CEO Dave Limp mentioned: “We did it! Orbital. Nice night time for Crew Blue. On to spring and making an attempt once more on the touchdown.”
Making orbit on the primary try is kind of an achievement, though the BE-4 engines utilized by New Glenn’s first stage have additionally seen motion on United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan Centaur. Nonetheless, the Blue Origin automobile is significantly bigger and extra highly effective than the Vulcan, with seven BE-4s powering the primary stage in comparison with the 2 utilized by ULA.
With the primary launch below its belt and the Blue Ring Pathfinder in orbit and operational, Blue Origin will now deal with upcoming missions for New Glenn. There’s Amazon’s Venture Kuiper, the potential for US Nationwide Safety launches as soon as certification is full, and, after all, getting cargo and crewed landers to the Moon as a part of NASA’s Artemis program. ®
