Blue Origin successfully completes testing of New Glenn rocket before first launch (video)
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket has successfully completed its final test before its maiden launch. The company completed a rehearsal that included a full countdown run for the launch.
Here's What We Know
According to The New York Times, Blue Origin made several attempts over several hours, but eventually managed to fire the seven New Glenn engines for 24 seconds.
The rocket's tanks were filled with fuel, and a weight of 45,000 pounds was set to simulate a cargo, as during a real launch. Blue Origin says this is the first time the rocket has been operated as an integrated system.
Jarrett Jones, senior vice president of the company, called the completion of the test an important milestone in the development of the project. In addition, the US Federal Aviation Administration has issued a launch licence confirming the rocket's readiness for flight.
Next stop launch pic.twitter.com/GQFz4XxEt5
- Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) 28 December 2024
The New Glenn is described as "a giant reusable rocket designed for big tasks". The company notes that the rocket is designed with the safety and reliability needed to carry people, although the first flight will be unmanned.
The first launch was supposed to take place back in October, when the rocket was supposed to launch two NASA satellites to Mars, but it was postponed due to the rocket's inadequacies so far. Instead, the first flight of New Glenn will be with Blue Ring Pathfinder, part of the Blue Ring platform that will provide services for customers such as the Pentagon.
Although the exact launch date has not yet been announced, it is expected that the rocket's first flight could take place as early as 6 January 2025.
Source: The New York Times
