Blue Origin has delayed the second launch of its New Glenn rocket, originally scheduled for May 24, due to an unspecified technical issue discovered during pre-flight checks. The company announced the postponement late Friday, stating a new launch date will be determined following investigation and resolution of the problem.
This launch is critical for Blue Origin as it represents a second attempt to demonstrate the New Glenn’s full capabilities, including the controlled landing of its first stage booster – nicknamed ”Never Tell Me The Odds” – on a floating platform. The first launch attempt in January failed to achieve a prosperous booster landing. The New Glenn is designed to carry payloads into space, and this flight will include a technology demonstrator for satellite communications company Viasat and NASA’s ESCAPADE mission, consisting of two probes to study the interaction between the solar wind and Mars’ magnetic environment, potentially shedding light on the loss of the planet’s atmosphere.
The first flight carried a prototype of the ”Blue ring” spacecraft, intended for future satellite launches. Successful operation of New Glenn is vital for Blue origin’s ambition to compete in the growing commercial space launch market alongside SpaceX and united Launch Alliance. The delay underscores the inherent challenges and risks associated with developing and operating complex launch systems.
