Sep 14, 2024, 11:26 PM
Sep 14, 2024, 11:26 PM

Blue Origin names New Glenn-1 booster in significant announcement

Highlights
  • Blue Origin's New Glenn-1 launch vehicle's first booster is named "So You're Telling Me There's a Chance."
  • The name signifies the challenge of landing a reusable booster on the first attempt, a feat yet to be achieved.
  • The successful launch and landing of New Glenn-1 could position Blue Origin competitively against SpaceX.
Story

Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, has announced the name of the first booster for its New Glenn-1 launch vehicle, which will be called "So You're Telling Me There's a Chance." This name reflects the ambitious goal of landing a reusable booster on its first attempt, a feat that has never been accomplished before. CEO Dave Limp expressed confidence in their ability to achieve this milestone, while also acknowledging the potential for learning from failures. New Glenn is designed as a reusable heavy-lift rocket, named in honor of John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth. Unlike Blue Origin's New Shepard, which can only reach the edge of space, New Glenn is capable of reaching orbit and beyond. The development of this vehicle has faced delays over the years, particularly as it aims to compete with SpaceX's Falcon launch vehicle. The inaugural launch of New Glenn-1 is anticipated for November, with NASA selecting Blue Origin to launch the ESCAPADE science mission atop the rocket in February 2023. Additionally, Amazon.com plans to utilize New Glenn for deploying its Project Kuiper satellite constellation, which aims to provide low-latency broadband internet connectivity. This announcement marks a significant step for Blue Origin as it seeks to establish itself in the competitive space launch market. The success of New Glenn could enhance the company's reputation and capabilities in the aerospace industry, particularly in the context of reusable rocket technology.

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