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FAA Clears Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket for Flight After Booster Failure Probe

The investigation into the January booster mishap identified engine restart issues, with Blue Origin targeting late spring 2025 for its next launch attempt.

A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket lifts off on its inaugural launch at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., January 16, 2025. REUTERS/Joe Skipper
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
NG-1 liftoff

Overview

  • The FAA has completed its investigation into the January 2025 booster failure of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, allowing it to resume flights.
  • The investigation revealed that the booster failed to restart its BE-4 engines during reentry, preventing a landing and resulting in its loss.
  • Blue Origin identified seven corrective actions, focusing on propellant management and engine bleed control, and is working to implement them before the next flight.
  • The company plans to conduct the second New Glenn launch in late spring 2025, with another attempt to recover the reusable booster.
  • New Glenn's successful debut marked it as the first commercial rocket to reach orbit on its initial flight, a critical milestone in Blue Origin's competition with SpaceX.