The Blue Origin New Glenn rocket is located at Launch Site 36 and is scheduled to launch from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in the early morning of January 13.
Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo | Miguel J. Rodriguez CarrilloGetty Images News | Getty Images
Jeff Bezos on Blue Origin on Monday The company canceled its first launch due to last-minute problems with its New Glenn rocket, dealing a blow to its efforts to compete with Elon Musk’s SpaceX in satellites.
The launch is scheduled for 1 a.m. ET from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
“We are pausing today’s launch attempt to resolve a vehicle subsystem issue that will put us outside of our launch window,” Ariana Cornell, Blue Origin’s vice president of space systems, said during a livestream of the scheduled takeoff.
She added that Blue Origin was reviewing opportunities for its next launch attempt. On Monday’s mission, the rocket ambitiously prepared to land its first-stage booster on a ship offshore in the Atlantic Ocean for future reuse, while the rocket’s second stage continued into orbit.
“The launch team is now working hard to defuel and secure the vehicle. From there, we will evaluate what other things we want to accomplish during the downtime, which will guide the next launch opportunity.” Cornell University Weekly One pointed out.
The partially reusable New Glenn rocket, which stands 320 feet tall, suffered several delays before the final decision was made to cancel the launch. The mission’s initial takeoff was delayed multiple times until Monday because sea conditions were not conducive to landing the booster.
Delays, technical difficulties and failures are not uncommon on first-time rocket missions. Blue Origin is known for its emphasis on sustainability.
“As part of the long-term vision, we do need to protect the planet. And the role of space technology,” Cornell said. “That’s why we started with reusable rockets and reusable engines.”
This breaking news story is being updated.
