Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket has updated its launch window to no earlier than Thursday, January 16, but is now targeting Tuesday, January 14, for its inaugural mission. The three-hour launch window will open at 1 a.m. EST (0600 UTC).
Initially, the launch was targeted for Monday, January 13, but poor weather conditions at Launch Complex 36 (LC-36) may impact this attempt. A previous launch scrub occurred due to an issue with ice formation in an auxiliary power unit, which powers some of the rocket’s hydraulic systems.
The mission will carry Blue Ring Pathfinder, a payload designed to test the core flight, ground systems, and operational capabilities of the New Glenn rocket as part of the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Orbital Logistics prototype effort. The key objective is to reach orbit safely, with landing the booster on its first try offshore in the Atlantic being an ambitious but ultimately achievable goal.
“We’ve prepared rigorously for this mission,” said Jarrett Jones, SVP of New Glenn. “But no amount of ground testing or mission simulations can replace flying this rocket. It’s time to fly.”
Source: https://www.blueorigin.com/news/new-glenn-ng-1-mission