blue originThe inaugural New Glenn mission is finally ready to launch, with the (theoretically) reusable rocket set to make its maiden flight within hours from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Although inclement weather delayed the launch by several days, the conditions are perfect to find out what New Glenn can finally do.
The New Glen is Blue Origin’s first orbital rocket, and has been in development for over a decade. The company’s previous spacecraft viz New Shepard are stuck near Kerman LineA range of about 62 miles (100 km) from Earth that some have adopted as the beginning of space. In contrast, New Glenn will aim to exceed that barrier, reaching a maximum altitude of about 12,000 miles (19,300 km).
As such, New Glen is significantly larger than New Shepard. Standing over 320 feet (98 meters) tall compared to the latter’s 63 feet (19 m).
Mashable light speed
Credit: Blue Originals
New Glenn will not carry any human passengers on its maiden voyage. Instead, the goal of the New Glenn-1 mission is to see if it can actually reach orbit safely, as well as to test the technology for Blue Origin’s proposed Blue Ring spacecraft platform. It also aims to begin the certification process to enable New Glenn to carry military payloads into space. This will enable Blue Origin to enter into military contracts with the US Department of Defense, which will provide some more competition. Space X.
Of course, Blue Origin is hoping to retain New Glen’s booster as well, currently having a landing pad ready in the Atlantic Ocean.
The mission’s three-hour launch window will open Monday at 1 a.m. EST / Sunday at 10 a.m. PST, with a live webcast. Check out Blue Origin’s new Glenn launch on Blue Origin’s YouTube channel here:
