Blue Origin Hauls Massive New Glenn 1st Stage to Launch Site with Hot Fire Up Next
by Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel
On October 30th, Blue Origin successfully transported the first stage booster of its upcoming New Glenn rocket to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking a significant step toward the rocket's anticipated debut launch. This event is part of Blue Origin's efforts to establish itself as a key player in the commercial space launch market.
Overview of the New Glenn Rocket
The New Glenn rocket is a heavy-lift launch vehicle being developed by Blue Origin. With an impressive height exceeding 320 feet when combined with the second stage and fairing, the New Glenn aims to deliver payloads into orbit efficiently. The first stage is powered by seven BE-4 engines, which generate an estimated thrust of over 3.8 million pounds at liftoff.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Height | Over 320 feet |
| First Stage Engines | 7 × BE-4 engines |
| Thrust at Liftoff | 3.8 million pounds |
| Payload Capacity to LEO | 45 metric tons |
| Launch Site | Canaveral Space Launch Complex 36 |
Transport and Assembly
CEO Dave Limp shared exciting updates via social media, posting images of the 188-foot-long first stage adorned with Blue Origin logos en route from the Merritt Island factory to its intended launch site.
Journey Details
The transportation of the New Glenn first stage was no small feat, requiring a specialized setup.
- The booster was carried on a custom-built trailer assembly featuring 22 axles and 176 tires.
- A U.S. Army tank transporter, referred to as GERT (Giant Enormous Rocket Truck), was repurposed for this endeavor, boasting a horsepower of 505 and torque of 1,825 pound-feet.
Logistics Challenge
Despite the complexity of the journey, the transportation was executed smoothly:
“Seems fitting, we’ve named it GERT—Giant Enormous Rocket Truck. The distance between GERT’s front bumper and the trailer’s rear is 310 feet, which is comparable to the length of a football field,” said Limp.
Preparing for Launch
The next phase involves assembling the first and second stages on the launch pad for a complete hot fire dress rehearsal, testing the systems necessary for launch.
Upcoming Milestones
Blue Origin is targeting November for the inaugural launch. Specific date details are still under discussion, although Port Canaveral officials hinted at a potential launch window of November 30 in a recent meeting.
Significant Investment and Future Potential
Jeff Bezos has contributed an impressive $1 billion toward operationalizing Space Launch Complex 36.
Located strategically, launches from SLC-36 will be just five miles from the Port Canaveral inlet—ideal for spectators hoping to view the rocket's ascent.
Comparative Launch Distances
| Launch Provider | Launch Pad | Distance to Inlet |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Origin | Space Launch Complex 36 | 5 miles |
| SpaceX | Launch Pad 39-A | 14 miles |
Historical Context
Blue Origin has embraced its legacy at LC-36, which has a storied history dating back to 1962 when it was used for various significant U.S. government launches, including the famed Surveyor lunar missions.
Past Achievements
Some highlights of historic launches from LC-36 include:
- Surveyor 1 (1967 - Lunar Lander)
- Mariner missions (1960s-70s - Mars Exploration)
Current and Future Operations
Although the New Glenn is untested, Blue Origin’s BE-4 engine has already seen successful flights through its association with United Launch Alliance (ULA). The ULA's Vulcan Centaur rocket, which utilizes two BE-4 engines, is set for upcoming missions.
Expected Flight Operations
Despite its inaugural flight being unfilled by commercial payloads, the New Glenn will onboard Blue Origin's own Blue Ring technology for satellite deployment. Successful operation during this flight will yield one of the two certification flights mandated by the U.S. Space Force, crucial for future national security launches.
Projected Launch Schedule
| Flight Number | Payload | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|
| Flight 1 | Blue Ring Technology | November 30, 2024 (Projected) |
| Flight 2 | NASA satellites for Mars | Spring 2025 (Projected) |
Future Prospects with NASA
“NASA was originally slated to debut on the first New Glenn flight, but due to launch window constraints, it has opted to wait until 2025.” This pause allows NASA to ensure its satellites are adequately prepared for their journey to Mars without unnecessary fuel costs.
Strategic Partnerships
In addition to their NASA launches, Blue Origin is working closely with Amazon on Project Kuiper, which entails deploying a vast constellation of internet satellites over the coming years. Blue Origin, ULA, and even SpaceX have several launches planned as part of this ambitious project.
Project Kuiper Overview
Blue Origin intends to facilitate dozens of launches for Amazon, aiming to compete against SpaceX's already operational Starlink satellite network. As seen, the stakes continue to escalate in the commercial space sector, highlighting the importance of reliable and reusable launch capabilities.
Conclusion
The milestones achieved by Blue Origin herald a new era of commercial spaceflight that promises rapid advancements in space exploration technology and capabilities. As preparations for the New Glenn's debut launch continue, the industry's momentum reflects the growing demand for space access, which could revolutionize communications, internet connectivity, and even scientific exploration in the years ahead.
For More Information
For further insights on space exploration, please refer to the excellent coverage from Universetoday.