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NASA has made the decision to remove the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) small satellites from Blue Origin’s first New Glenn launch due to concerns over the rocket’s readiness. The twin spacecraft were originally scheduled to launch on New Glenn’s inaugural flight from Cape Canaveral, Florida, between October 13th and 21st. However, NASA decided to suspend pre-launch preparations on September 6th as they determined that the rocket may not be ready in time for the planned launch window.
One of the primary reasons for NASA’s decision to remove ESCAPADE from the first New Glenn launch was the concern over the readiness of the rocket. Before the spacecraft could be filled with hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide propellants, NASA needed to assess whether New Glenn would be able to launch within the specified timeframe. The agency wanted to avoid potential financial, scheduling, and technical difficulties that could arise if the launch had to be delayed and the propellants needed to be removed from the spacecraft.
While Blue Origin had hoped to launch New Glenn within the nine-day window in mid-October, there were still tasks that needed to be completed, including testing and assembling the rocket. The challenges associated with removing propellants from the spacecraft in the event of a delay prompted NASA to request additional time before fueling the ship. NASA’s Launch Services Office director Bradley Smith emphasized the importance of allowing sufficient margin in the pre-launch work to ensure readiness for the mission.
Despite the setback, NASA remains committed to launching ESCAPADE on a future New Glenn mission, potentially in early 2025. The agency did not specify when the spacecraft would reach Mars on this alternate trajectory, as it would fall outside the traditional Mars launch window opening this autumn and closing in two years. ESCAPADE is a low-cost mission designed to explore the Martian magnetosphere and solar wind, and NASA is eager to see it successfully launched to begin its journey to Mars.
Both NASA and Blue Origin expressed their support for the decision to target the ESCAPADE mission for a potential launch in spring 2025. Blue Origin also indicated that the first New Glenn flight would carry a Blue Ring orbital transfer vehicle technology and serve as the company’s first Space Force National Security Space Launch program certification launch. The second New Glenn mission is now scheduled for November, ahead of the originally planned December launch date. Blue Origin has not disclosed details regarding the payload or timeline for the second mission.
Despite the adjustments to the launch schedule, industry sources indicate that Blue Origin is not expected to encounter significant delays beyond the necessary payload changes. The top stage of the rocket is set to undergo static-fire testing on the pad in early September, with the rollout potentially delayed until early November. This timeline allows for the completion of necessary tasks to ensure the readiness of New Glenn for its upcoming missions.
In conclusion, while the removal of ESCAPADE from the first New Glenn launch represents a setback, both NASA and Blue Origin remain committed to ensuring the success of the mission. By targeting a potential launch in early 2025 and making necessary adjustments to the launch schedule, NASA and Blue Origin are working together to ensure the readiness and success of future New Glenn missions.
