The 2022 failure was due to a "thermo-structural failure of the engine nozzle" which caused the rocket's booster to explode mid-flight. At the time, New Shepard was carrying 36 payloads, more than half of which belonged to NASA. Despite this setback, the rocket has successfully performed six crewed flights since its debut in July 2021. Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is potentially set for launch in 2024.
Key takeaways:
- Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos' private space venture, is planning to launch its New Shepard rocket again after being grounded for over a year due to a liftoff malfunction in September 2022.
- The upcoming NS-24 mission, scheduled for December 18, will carry 33 science and research payloads.
- The Federal Aviation Administration has handed Blue Origin a list of 21 corrective actions to implement before the rocket can resume launches, following an investigation into the failed 2022 launch.
- Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, which has yet to debut, may be slated for launch in 2024.