Blue Origin plans to attempt its second New Glenn launch in late spring after identifying and addressing the issues that prevented the booster from landing on its first launch last month. The company’s CEO, Dave Limp, stated that a propulsion issue was likely caused during the January 16 NG-1 launch, which resulted in telemetry being lost at around 7:55 minutes into the flight.
Limp emphasized that demonstrating in-flight engine relight was one of the challenges that Blue Origin faced before the launch. However, he assured that the company is making progress and has a “really good handle” on the anomaly investigation. A second booster is currently in production, which should not delay the company’s path to flight.
Blue Origin has not announced the payload for its upcoming launch, but Limp mentioned that it has a few options in mind. The company views its first three launches as development flights and will attempt to secure commercial payloads if possible. If not, they may conduct a mass simulator mission.
In related news, Blue Origin is moving forward with its lunar lander project, the Mark 1 version of which is set to launch soon. This robotic lander serves as a technology demonstrator for the larger Blue Moon Mark 2 lander, capable of carrying three metric tons of cargo to the moon.
Limp expressed confidence that the United States can still pursue lunar exploration despite the new administration’s interest in Mars. He noted that the systems developed for lunar exploration can be adapted for a Mars mission. In fact, NASA has selected Blue Origin and other companies to perform concept studies for new approaches to Mars Sample Return.
Blue Origin’s work on engines, in-space refueling, and a lunar tug can be reused for a Mars mission, Limp said. He likened these capabilities to LEGO bricks that can be reassembled to create a new system. While a manned Mars mission would require new technologies like life support systems, Limp believes that modifying existing systems is not as challenging as previously thought.
Source: https://spacenews.com/blue-origin-planning-second-new-glenn-launch-for-late-spring