Blue Origin scrubs second New Glenn launch

"This is a significant launch for the 320-foot-tall megarocket, which is tasked with sending NASA's twin ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers) probes into space - the first Mars-bound mission since NASA launched its Perseverance and Ingenuity vehicles in 2020 to explore the red planet's surface. The ESCAPADE satellites are projected to reach Mars orbit in 2027, where they will measure the planet's magnetic field and atmosphere."

"This will also be Blue Origin's latest attempt to land New Glenn's reusable first-stage booster, which, much like SpaceX's Falcon rocket boosters, is designed to vertically touch down on a sea-based platform following launch. While Blue Origin successfully launched New Glenn for the first time in January after several delays, the booster was lost during its landing descent. A successful launch and landing would help Blue Origin to prove itself as a deep-space launch provider that's capable of competing with established rivals like SpaceX"

"Blue Origin says it worked with the Federal Aviation Administration to select its latest launch window, having seemingly been given an exemption to new FAA rules that prohibit commercial rockets from being launched between 6AM and 10PM. This emergency order came into effect on November 10th to alleviate air traffic congestion during the ongoing government shutdown. If all goes to plan, the live webcast for New Glenn's second flight will start 20 minutes prior to launch on Wednesday."

Blue Origin scrubbed New Glenn's second launch on Sunday because of adverse weather, delaying NASA's twin ESCAPADE probes bound for Mars. The company set the next launch window from Cape Canaveral for no earlier than Wednesday, November 12, between 2:50 PM and 4:17 PM ET. The 320-foot New Glenn will carry ESCAPADE, which is projected to reach Mars orbit in 2027 to measure the planet's magnetic field and atmosphere. Blue Origin will again attempt to recover New Glenn's reusable first-stage booster with a sea-based vertical landing after launch; the first booster was lost during its prior descent. Blue Origin worked with the FAA to secure an exemption to rules restricting daytime commercial launches during the government shutdown, and a live webcast is scheduled to begin 20 minutes before the planned launch.

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