Blue Origin’s giant New Glenn rocket will remain grounded for at least a few more months.
The aerospace company, founded by Jeff Bezos, had aimed to launch the 320-foot (98-meter) rocket in late spring. However, CEO Dave Limp announced on June 9 that the next attempt will happen no earlier than August 15.
“New Glenn’s second mission will take place NET August 15th,” Limp posted on X.
He also revealed the booster’s new name: “Never Tell Me The Odds.” Limp said one of their main goals is to land and recover the booster. “This will take a little bit of luck and a lot of excellent execution,” he added.
Blue Origin tested the booster in April and plans to produce eight upper stages (GS2s) this year. Limp confirmed that this mission will use the GS2 tested in April.
The rocket’s first flight happened on January 16. That booster, called “So You’re Telling Me There’s a Chance,” failed to land but still delivered its payload — a test version of the Blue Ring spacecraft — to orbit.
New Glenn can carry up to 50 tons (45 metric tons) to low Earth orbit. While Blue Origin hasn’t revealed the payload for this upcoming flight, it may end up being a simple mass simulator. Limp hinted at this back in February during the 27th Annual Commercial Space Conference in Washington.
“We’re still looking for opportunities,” he said. “If we have to fly a mass simulator, we will.”
Although Blue Origin had aimed for eight launches in 2025, the delay makes that unlikely. As noted by Ars Technica’s Eric Berger, that goal now seems out of reach.
The company’s motto, “Gradatim Ferociter” — Latin for “Step by step, ferociously” — still captures their approach as they work toward success in future missions.
READ: Katy Perry and All-Female Crew Complete Blue Origin Spaceflight
