Blue Origin has announced its plans for the next launch of its New Glenn rocket, which will carry NASA’s ESCAPE mission to Mars. The mission, dubbed NG-2, was originally set for October 2024 but was delayed due to uncertainty around New Glenn’s readiness.
The ESCAPADE mission aims to study the Martian magnetosphere and includes two satellites constructed by Rocket Lab that will interact with solar winds on their journey to Mars. Blue Origin is aiming to reuse its boosters for up to 25 flights, with the goal of achieving certification for future national security missions.
New Glenn’s second launch will take place from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 36, which was previously used by NASA and other government agencies. The rocket boasts a nearly 23-foot-diameter fairing and produces 3.85 million pounds of thrust on liftoff, making it more powerful than SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp expressed excitement about the mission, stating that it marks New Glenn’s first interplanetary mission and will also fly a technology demonstration for commercial satellite company Viasat. The company has several commercial customers lined up, including Amazon, which has contracted for at least 12 launches to send hundreds of satellites into space.
With Blue Origin’s continued investment in the New Glenn rocket, the company is making strides towards achieving certification for future national security missions and expanding its capabilities as a commercial launch provider.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-07-blue-lines-nasa-mars-bound.html