Blue Origin
FAA grounds New Glenn after NG-3 mission upper stage mishap
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket following a partial failure during its third mission, NG-3, launched Sunday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. An upper-stage engine issue prevented the BlueBird 7 satellite from reaching its target 285-mile orbit, achieving only about 95 miles. This incident, the second grounding for the rocket, will halt flights pending investigation.
NASA has received a full-scale prototype of Blue Origin's Mark 2 crew cabin and will soon begin astronaut training exercises. The development supports the agency's goal of returning humans to the lunar surface in 2028.
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NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman told lawmakers that SpaceX and Blue Origin expect their lunar landers to be ready for the Artemis III mission in late 2027. The mission will now test the landers in Earth orbit rather than attempting a lunar landing. This change aims to reduce risks and increase launch frequency.
Blue Origin has rolled out the first stage of its New Glenn rocket to Launch Complex 36 in Florida for its second flight. The mission aims to launch two Mars-bound ESCAPADE spacecraft, with a targeted window in early November. The company plans to recover the booster, named 'Never Tell Me The Odds,' estimating a 75 percent chance of success.
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Blue Origin has announced intentions to land and catch the first stage booster of its New Glenn rocket during its next launch, aiming to reuse it for future lunar missions. This move is part of broader efforts to advance reusable rocketry amid the intensifying US-China space race. The company sees this as a key step toward more cost-effective deep space exploration.