Insider Brief
- Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket has completed an integrated hotfire test and received a commercial launch license from the Federal Aviation Administration.
- The integrated hotfire test marked the first full-scale operation of the New Glenn rocket as a cohesive system. It validated the performance of both the first and second stages, along with key components like the payload fairing and mass simulator.
- The Part 450 commercial space launch license secured from the FAA allows the rocket to conduct orbital missions from Cape Canaveral over the next five years.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, designed to revolutionize reusable space launch systems, has achieved two critical milestones on its path to launch. The company recently completed an integrated hotfire test of the launch vehicle and received a commercial launch license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Integrated Hotfire Test: A Key Technical Achievement
The integrated hotfire test, conducted at Launch Complex 36 in Cape Canaveral, Florida, marked the first full-scale operation of the New Glenn rocket as a cohesive system. This milestone validated the performance of both the first and second stages, along with key components like the payload fairing and mass simulator. The seven BE-4 engines powering the first stage were fired for 24 seconds, reaching full thrust for 13 seconds.
The test also demonstrated critical systems, including New Glenn’s autogenous pressurization technology, which uses self-generated gases to pressurize propellant tanks. Multiple tests ensured the system could handle the conditions it will face during launch, such as loading and pressurizing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen (LOX) in the first stage and liquid hydrogen (LH2) and LOX in the second stage.
“This is a monumental milestone and a glimpse of what’s just around the corner for New Glenn’s first launch,” said Jarrett Jones, Senior Vice President at Blue Origin.
FAA Launch License Granted
In addition to the technical achievements, Blue Origin secured a Part 450 commercial space launch license from the FAA. This authorization allows the rocket to conduct orbital missions from Cape Canaveral over the next five years. The reusable first stage will land on a barge in the Atlantic Ocean, demonstrating its capability for multiple missions and reducing launch costs.
The FAA noted that Blue Origin met all necessary safety and environmental standards, further reinforcing the rocket’s readiness for operations. Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp expressed gratitude to the FAA, saying, “Here’s to NG-1 — we are really close, folks.”
Preparing for Maiden Launch
With these milestones achieved, New Glenn is now poised to carry its first payload, the Blue Ring Pathfinder, into orbit. Blue Origin has a robust customer manifest, including NASA, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and several telecommunications companies, along with government clients. The company is also working to certify New Glenn for the U.S. Space Force’s National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program.
Image credit: Blue Origin
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