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<\/p>\nOver the past few months, Blue Origin has been busy progressing on many of its projects as target dates move closer. New Glenn continues to inch closer to launch, facilities are being expanded, BE-4 engines have been delivered to ULA, and New Shepard has returned to crewed flights.
\nNew Glenn<\/p>\n
With the September launch window of NASA\u2019s EscaPADE Mars mission closing in, teams are working through the tail-end of tests at Launch Complex 36 (LC-36) to prepare the site for its first static fire and launch.<\/p>\n
On March 12, Blue rolled back the New Glenn Pathfinder first stage after completing cryogenic and ground system testing on the launch pad. The 7-meter-wide and 45-meter-long stage made the trek back to the company\u2019s campus at Exploration Park, just outside the gates of Kennedy Space Center.<\/p>\n
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The New Glenn first stage pathfinder is transported back to the factory following cryogenic testing. (Credit: Max Evans for NSF)<\/p>\n
While back inside the first stage integration facility, it is likely that the stage is being closely inspected following its round of testing. From there, the stage will be integrated with an engine section and BE-4 engines that could support a static fire alongside a flight-ready interstage and possible aero surfaces. It is still unclear if this booster will fly with the same hardware it performs the static fire with, or if there will be further upgrades before the vehicle is flight-ready.<\/p>\n
In late March, Blue Origin rolled the second-stage transporter erector to the launch pad for more testing and checks. A New Glenn second stage hasn\u2019t been transported to the pad on this structure yet, though Blue may still have that test planned before New Glenn\u2019s first flight. The second stage transporter erector features two cutouts at its base which suggests the possibility of testing the twin BE-3U engines on the launch pad.<\/p>\n
More recently, on May 23, the New Glenn Simulator rolled to the pad on the main transporter erector to support further pad testing. According to Blue Origin, the tests will involve powering up pumps to pressurize the vehicle\u2019s hydraulic system, using ground systems to supply commodities to the rocket, and a rapid retract test of the umbilical connections. Such tests are an important part of the launch countdown for both a new rocket and new launch pad infrastructure.<\/p>\n