Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket has completed a crucial test-firing at its Cape Canaveral Space Force Station launch site, clearing the way for its maiden voyage next month. The successful test of the rocket's seven BE-4 engines brought the company one step closer to launching two NASA probes on a mission to study Martian climate change.
On Thursday night, Blue Origin stood by as its massive rocket ignited its main engines at 9:59 pm EDT, burning fuel for 38 seconds while remaining firmly planted on the ground. The hold-down firing of the first-stage engines marked the final major test of the New Glenn rocket before launch day. Blue Origin had previously tested the rocket's second-stage engines.
"We're thrilled to see New Glenn's seven BE-4 engines come alive! Congratulations to Team Blue on today's hotfire," said CEO Dave Limp, who posted a message on X social media praising his team's achievement.
The successful test also allowed engineers to simulate the booster's landing burn sequence, which is crucial for the rocket's ability to land safely back on Earth. The New Glenn first stage will be reused on the next flight after missing its initial landing attempt in January. If the mission is a success, it could pave the way for future reusability of the rocket.
The twin spacecraft, built by Rocket Lab, are part of NASA's Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission. The $20 million launch price is significantly less than what another company might charge, but officials have accepted a higher level of risk due to the New Glenn rocket's limited certification history.
The ESCAPADE spacecraft will weigh just over 1 ton, making up about 15% of the total payload the New Glenn rocket can carry. They are set to launch in late November and begin their journey to Mars in September 2027, providing scientists with a unique opportunity to study the Martian atmosphere and its interaction with the solar wind.
With this test firing complete, Blue Origin's team will now focus on preparing for the rocket's maiden voyage, which is expected to take place as early as November 9.
On Thursday night, Blue Origin stood by as its massive rocket ignited its main engines at 9:59 pm EDT, burning fuel for 38 seconds while remaining firmly planted on the ground. The hold-down firing of the first-stage engines marked the final major test of the New Glenn rocket before launch day. Blue Origin had previously tested the rocket's second-stage engines.
"We're thrilled to see New Glenn's seven BE-4 engines come alive! Congratulations to Team Blue on today's hotfire," said CEO Dave Limp, who posted a message on X social media praising his team's achievement.
The successful test also allowed engineers to simulate the booster's landing burn sequence, which is crucial for the rocket's ability to land safely back on Earth. The New Glenn first stage will be reused on the next flight after missing its initial landing attempt in January. If the mission is a success, it could pave the way for future reusability of the rocket.
The twin spacecraft, built by Rocket Lab, are part of NASA's Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission. The $20 million launch price is significantly less than what another company might charge, but officials have accepted a higher level of risk due to the New Glenn rocket's limited certification history.
The ESCAPADE spacecraft will weigh just over 1 ton, making up about 15% of the total payload the New Glenn rocket can carry. They are set to launch in late November and begin their journey to Mars in September 2027, providing scientists with a unique opportunity to study the Martian atmosphere and its interaction with the solar wind.
With this test firing complete, Blue Origin's team will now focus on preparing for the rocket's maiden voyage, which is expected to take place as early as November 9.
i mean, $20 million to launch some probes to mars? that's crazy expensive for what we're gettin' 
and those probes r only gonna weigh like 1 ton? what's the point of even botherin' 
, especially with those NASA probes headed to mars in sept 2027 
. $20 million launch price might be a bit steep but it's worth it for the data they'll get from escapade 
. and now that the test firing is done, i'm hyped for their maiden voyage next month 
. reusability is key, so if this works out, blue origin could revolutionize space travel 
.
! I mean, $20 million for a launch price isn't too shabby considering they're trying out a new rocket engine tech 
. The fact that it's reusable will save them so much money in the long run 
just when u think space travel is gonna stay in the realm of super expensive private ventures, blue origin nails it with this affordable launch deal 
that's wild! Blue Origin is low-key taking over space with this New Glenn launch site... and I'm not mad about it 
the NASA probes are gonna study Martian climate change tho - that's some crazy science 
got to feel for those tiny spacecraft though, only 1 ton of payload 
still a lot of pressure on the rocket, especially since they're trying to reuse it after 1 failed landing attempt... fingers crossed they get it right next time 
. The fact that they can launch two NASA probes for $20 million is insane - it's like a bargain! The reusability aspect is also super promising, could save so much time and resources in the long run. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly on the maiden voyage next month 
Interesting how reusable rockets are gonna be the future, no more wastin' billions on new rockets for each mission 
. I mean, who needs reusability when you can have reusable rockets, right? 
)!
And can you imagine being able to watch these launches live? It's going to be epic! November 9 can't come soon enough for me. 
. i mean, not everyone's gonna be able to afford space missions anytime soon 
. now they just gotta get ready for liftoff in november 
it's wild that Blue Origin can launch two NASA probes to Mars for like $20 million 
And the fact that it's cheaper than other companies is just icing on the cake... or should I say, fuel in the tank? 
!