Blue Origin’s New Glenn Booster On Track

Blue Ring Pathfinder is the payload for NG-1, set to be the first launch for Blue Origin’s reusable New Glenn launch rocket.

The payload is ready to be mated to the booster after the rocket’s hotfire test, and the spacecraft will launch from Blue Origin’s Launch Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The launch will be New Glenn’s first National Security Space Launch certification flight.

The Pathfinder was developed by Blue Origin’s In-Space Systems business unit and is intended to be a test of Blue Ring’s core flight, ground systems, and operational capabilities. The NG-1 flight will carry the Blue Ring Pathfinder under the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Orbital Logistics effort. DIU funding is helping to enable future DoD mobility missions.

The payload will carry a communications array, power systems, and a flight control computer. The flight will test communications from orbit to ground, as well as in-space telemetry, tracking and command hardware, and ground-based radiometric tracking that will be used on the future Blue Ring production space vehicle.

The pathfinder will remain onboard New Glenn’s second stage for the expected mission duration of six hours.

Paul Ebertz, Senior Vice President of Blue Origin’s In-Space Systems said, “We’re excited to demonstrate Blue Ring’s advanced in-space operations on New Glenn’s inaugural mission. Blue Ring plays a critical role in building a road to space, and this mission is an important first step for Blue Ring and enabling dynamic and responsive operations that will greatly benefit our nation.”

FMI:  www.blueorigin.com/