Main Engine Cut OffBlue Origin Previews New Glenn
Today, Jeff Bezos gave us a nice preview of their next launch vehicle: New Glenn.
112 results for “Blue Origin”
BE-4 Test, Decision on Vulcan Could Slip to 2017
By the sounds of it, Blue Origin is late on something, and it may be pushing their engine test back a bit. I imagine that Aerojet Rocketdyne and the Congress members that are to thank for the AR1 are a little bit excited.
Blue Origin to Test New Shepard In-Flight Abort
A full transcript of Jeff Bezos’ email is at the link above, and they posted a nice animation of the flight on YouTube. They’ll be live-streaming the test in the “first part of October.”
Arianespace Focuses on Faster Horses
That’s a fine strategy for the here and now, but it isn’t a viable long-term strategy by any means. SpaceX isn’t the only one coming for Arianespace’s market share by way of reusability.
Blue Origin Files Permit to Operate Launch Complex 11
Blue Origin is going to be pretty damn active out on the Cape. Very exciting.
T+19: SpaceX’s Manifest, Flight-Proven Hardware, Blue Origin Updates, and Antares’ Engines
SpaceX has a busy manifest as they close out 2016, including SES-10 which will fly with a “flight-proven” first stage. A few bits of info have come out regarding Blue Origin’s future plans—including flying diverse payloads on New Shepard, and construction of their factory in Florda. Antares’ return-to-flight launch date is still a mystery, and I have a theory about its future engines.
Continuing Resolution Could Doom AR1
One of the programs that could be affected is the one funding development of the AR1, BE-4, and ACES. Blue Origin isn’t going to stop their work on the BE-4, because that’s paramount to their own ambitions, but the AR1 work could be hit hard.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard as Generic Booster
This would be a smart move for Blue Origin if and when it comes about. I’d be interested if they’d jettison the fairings (with recovery), or use a hinged, clamshell-style design that would remain attached to the booster on its way back down.
NASA-Blue Origin Orbital Space Act Agreement
Things are starting to heat up surrounding Blue Origin’s orbital plans, and I expect to hear more sometime soon—especially with the BE-4 nearing its full-up test. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Blue Origin enter the competition for the next round of NASA cargo and crew contracts.
Blue Origin Set to Pick Up Flight Rate
In addition to an increased flight rate, they’re working on different experiment types for future New Shepard flights. I’ll be interested in how they handle exposed experiments, specifically to see if they will be done in a way applicable to unpressurized cargo space for any future cargo contracts they may get with their orbital-class vehicle.