Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket recently achieved a critical milestone by completing its initial second-stage hot fire test. This test was designed to validate the interaction between various subsystems, the two BE-3U engines, and the ground control systems. During the 15-second test, the launch operations team had the opportunity to practice launch procedures in preparation for New Glenn’s scheduled launch in November.

New Glenn is Blue Origin’s significant initiative to compete with SpaceX in the area of space launches. However, Jeff Bezos’ company has experienced a slower progression, having only conducted suborbital tourist flights with its New Shepard rocket so far. Although there were plans for New Glenn to launch the small satellite ESCAPADE in collaboration with NASA this year as its inaugural mission, the mission was recently canceled.

The first mission for New Glenn, designated NG-1, is now set to transport Blue Origin’s new Blue Ring orbital platform into space. This mission is planned to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in November.

Source link