Solar Flare Forces Scrub of New Glenn Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL,FL – November 12,2025 – A powerful solar flare,originating 92 million miles from Earth,prompted Blue origin to postpone the highly anticipated launch of its New Glenn rocket just hours before liftoff. The decision,announced late yesterday,came as forecasters predicted the arrival of a significant geomagnetic storm,potentially disrupting critical launch systems and satellite operations.
This event underscores the growing vulnerability of space infrastructure to unpredictable solar activity. The launch scrub highlights the delicate balance between pursuing space exploration and mitigating the risks posed by our star.A G4 geomagnetic storm,as currently predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Management (NOAA),can cause voltage control problems in power grids and surface charging issues for satellites. The postponement impacts blue Origin’s schedule and demonstrates the broader implications for the burgeoning commercial space industry,which relies on consistent and reliable access to orbit.
The solar event began with an explosion on the Sun, sending a surge of charged particles toward Earth. These particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating disturbances that can affect a range of technologies. “The sudden arrival of a rush of charged particles from the Sun can create disturbances in earth’s magnetic field, affecting power grids, degrading GPS navigation signals, and disrupting radio communications,” explained NOAA forecaster Rob Dahl.
Satellites positioned a million miles from Earth are currently monitoring the solar wind’s speed,charge,and magnetic field direction to refine predictions of the storm’s impact. “These types of storms can be very variable,” Dahl added,emphasizing the difficulty in forecasting precise effects until the storm reaches Earth.
while a G4 storm is considered moderate, it can still pose risks to sensitive equipment. NOAA warns of “possible widespread voltage control problems” in electrical networks and potential issues for satellites. The New Glenn launch was delayed as a precautionary measure to avoid potential damage to the rocket’s complex electronics and ensure the safety of the mission.Blue Origin has not yet announced a revised launch date, pending further assessment of the geomagnetic conditions.
