Blue Origin, the private aerospace manufacturer founded by Jeff Bezos, has successfully completed a critical hotfire test of its New Glenn rocket's second stage. This milestone brings the company closer to its scheduled first flight in November from Launch Complex 36 in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Credit: Blue origin
The 15-second hotfire test marked the first time the second stage operated as an integrated system, validating interactions between its subsystems, two BE-3U engines, and ground control systems. The test demonstrated three key systems: the tank pressurization control system, the thrust vector control system, and the start-up and shut-down sequences for the BE-3U systems.
The hotfire test also provided an opportunity for the launch operations team to practice launch day procedures and verify timing for critical operations. This hands-on experience ensures that the team is well-prepared for the inaugural New Glenn flight, NG-1, which will carry Blue Ring technology as its first manifested payload.
The second stage is designed for demanding missions to low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geosynchronous orbit (GEO). Standing 88 feet tall with a diameter of 23 feet, it boasts two BE-3U engines, each producing 173,000 pounds of vacuum thrust. The New Glenn rocket stands over 320 feet tall, with its first stage powered by seven BE-4 engines. These liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled engines are the most powerful oxygen-rich staged combustion engines ever flown.
However, Blue Origin recently faced a setback with its Escapade mission. The mission, aimed at launching a pair of NASA-funded spacecraft to study the solar wind, was delayed due to technical issues. The delay has pushed the launch to early 2025, providing Blue Origin with an opportunity to refine its systems.
Despite the setback, Blue Origin has emphasized its commitment to rigorous testing and quality assurance. The company has implemented additional checks and balances to ensure the reliability of its systems. The BE-3U engine has consistently outperformed expectations during testing, demonstrating its elegant expander bleed design. This yields a robust engine architecture balancing thrust, specific impulse, and cost. In addition to the BE-4 and BE-3U, Blue Origin manufactures BE-7 engines for its Blue Moon lunar landers and New Shepard's BE-3PM engine.
The inaugural New Glenn flight, NG-1, will pave the way for a new era in space exploration. Carrying Blue Ring technology as its first manifested payload, this mission marks a significant step towards Blue Origin's vision of enabling a future where millions of people live and work in space for the benefit of Earth.
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