Blue Origin postpones New Glenn rockets Maiden Flight mission: Here's why

Blue Origin expected to launch New Glenn rocket in January

Blue Origins first vehicle bound for low-earth orbit, the New Glenn rocket, is expected to launch in January. FOX 35's Esther Bower learns more about this expected launch and maiden voyage.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Blue Origin has postponed the Maiden Flight space mission of its New Glenn rocket.

The launch was originally scheduled for Friday, January 10, between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. However, Blue Origin announced in a post on X that the launch will be pushed to Sunday, January 12, with the same 3-hour time window.

Why was the launch postponed?

What we know: According to Blue Origin, the launch was postponed due to the high sea state in the Atlantic Ocean, which means the waves are 6–9 meters tall and the sea is rough.

This is a problem because the Atlantic is where Blue Origin planned to land the New Glenn's booster.

What is the Maiden Flight mission?

The maiden flight of the New Glenn launch vehicle will carry the prototype Blue Ring payload tug along with a payload hoisting platform.

The platform includes a communications array, power systems, and a flight computer mounted on a secondary payload adapter ring, which will remain attached to the second stage.

This mission will also serve as New Glenn's first certification flight for National Security Space Launch.

FAA approves maiden flight:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted a Part 450 commercial space launch license to Blue Origin, authorizing the maiden flight.

The license is valid for five years and permits Blue Origin to conduct orbital launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Who is Blue Origin?

The backstory: Blue Origin, a privately funded aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, focuses on developing reusable rockets, advancing human spaceflight capabilities, and innovating cutting-edge space technologies.

As of today, Blue Origin has successfully completed nine human spaceflights and 28 flights as part of the New Shepard Program. New Shepard has now flown 47 people to space three of which have flown twice.

The Source: The information in this article comes from Blue Origin.

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