Blue Origin has delayed the inaugural launch of its New Glenn heavy-lift rocket originally scheduled for January 13, 2025. The delay was caused by a technical issue, prompting the company to call off the liftoff around 3:10 a.m. EST.
The aerospace company, founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, announced they were standing down to troubleshoot a subsystem issue but did not initially disclose specific details. However, later updates revealed that the problem was due to “ice forming in a purge line on an auxiliary power unit that powers some of our hydraulic systems.”
Initially aimed for January 10, Blue Origin had already postponed the launch three days earlier due to unfavorable sea conditions in the Atlantic Ocean, where the first stage of the rocket is expected to land on a ship named Jacklyn. After resolving the subsystem issue, the new target launch date was set for January 14, but it was subsequently pushed back to January 16.
The New Glenn rocket, which stands at 320 feet tall and features a reusable first stage, has been in development for nearly a decade. This upcoming test flight, designated NG-1, will carry a pathfinder version of the Blue Ring spacecraft platform the company is developing.
Despite the delays, Blue Origin remains committed to its innovative projects and the development of their orbital-class rocket that aims to expand the possibilities of space access. With a launch window available through January 16, this gives the team time to address the technical challenges and prepare for a successful flight.
In summary, although the launch has faced setbacks, the commitment to resolving the issues shows Blue Origin’s dedication to ensuring a safe and successful mission, which is crucial in the competitive landscape of space exploration.