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Blue Origin Soars After Triumphant New Shepard Launch
Blasting off at 11:43 ET from their Texas ranch, the New Shepard rocket carried 33 scientific experiments into weightlessness for several minutes before safely returning to Earth. The booster landed seven minutes post-lift-off, followed by the capsule six minutes later, securing a successful mission.
Initially scheduled for takeoff on Monday but halted due to ground system issues, the revised test flight seemed to encounter no difficulties this time around. The Blue Origin team swiftly accomplished their objectives, bolstering their confidence for future endeavors.
Although no passengers were aboard, this victory could revitalize Blue Origin's plans to reintroduce space tourism for the thrill-seekers.
Erika Wagner, Senior Director of Emerging Markets Development for Blue Origin, voiced excitement about their next crewed flight during the live broadcast finale. "We can't wait for our next crewed mission soon!" she said.
This triumphant return marks over a year since the Jeff Bezos-founded company recovered from a failed unmanned test journey.
Originally slated for September 12, 2022, the New Shepard rocket and capsule were set to deploy a series of scientific instruments. However, just a minute into the flight, the rocket encountered Max Q – a term denoting the moment of maximum dynamic pressure during ascent. In densely populated Earth's atmosphere, the Rocket moves near the speed of sound.
At around this point, it appeared the rocket released a colossal flame blast. The New Shepard capsule promptly activated its abort system and ignited its thrusters to break free from the malfunctioning rocket, successfully deploying its parachute for a safe descent.
" landed flawlessly post-flight."
Blue Origin disclosed that the malfunction stemmed from an engine nozzle issue. The onboard computer accurately identified the fault and shut down the motor accordingly.
Pre-failure, the New Shepard mission had successfully completed 22 consecutive sorties, with six passengers on board, including Bezos in 2021.
New Glen on Horizon
As New Shepard resumes service, Blue Origin harbors ambitions for New Glenn, a mammoth rocket currently underdevelopment. Intended to carry satellites and other large payloads into orbit, New Glenn boasts revolutionary BE-4 engines that will power other rocket families, such as the planned United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Centaur. In January, the Vulcan Centaur is set to launch its first mission, transporting a NASA-sponsored lunar lander.
Additionally, New Glenn nears its maiden voyage in the near future, potentially even in the coming year, ferrying a NASA satellite to investigate magnetic fields near Mars.
Bezos expressed nervousness regarding New Glenn's launch during a podcast interview last week. "Every time I've attended a New Shepard launch or another, I've always been nervous. The first launch – don't be nervous – will be a sign of chaos," he quoted.
