New Glenn Launch Rescheduled for August 15
Blue Origin has set August 15, 2025, as the new target for the second flight of its heavy-lift New Glenn rocket. The mission, announced by CEO Dave Limp, comes after a delay from the initially planned “late spring” timeframe, as the team addresses issues encountered during the rocket’s inaugural launch in January (TechCrunch, Yahoo Finance).
Booster Recovery Lessons from First Flight
The first flight on January 16, 2025, succeeded in reaching orbit and deploying its payload—a key milestone for Blue Origin’s long-term launch ambitions (Wikipedia, Blue Origin). However, booster recovery efforts failed when telemetry was lost at 84,000 feet, and the vehicle missed landing on the ship Jacklyn (Times Now, Talk of Titusville).
The root cause was found to be uneven engine tank pressures that blocked a successful restart needed for descent control (Talk of Titusville).
Technical Fixes for Booster Recovery
Following a joint investigation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Blue Origin implemented seven corrective actions. These address propellant flow and engine bleed issues, both critical for booster recovery and safe landings (TechCrunch, Yahoo Finance).
Recovery to Be Main Focus in August
The second launch, internally codenamed Never Tell Me the Odds, will test these engineering changes with a central objective: a controlled booster landing on the Jacklyn platform. Blue Origin’s long-term goal is to reuse the New Glenn first stage 25 times, enhancing cost efficiency to rival SpaceX (Talk of Titusville, Wikipedia).
The flight will also validate systems for upcoming missions. Potential payloads include NASA’s ESCAPADE Mars satellites or the company’s Blue Moon MK-1 lunar lander (Talk of Titusville).
Why August Launch Matters
Beyond technology, this flight is critical to restoring market confidence. Blue Origin originally projected eight New Glenn launches in 2025, but technical setbacks have reduced that outlook (Ars Technica). A successful booster recovery in August could prove transformative for Blue Origin’s schedule and reputation.
Looking Ahead: A High-Stakes Return
Dave Limp has reaffirmed Blue Origin’s cautious philosophy:
“Fly when ready. Don’t fly until you are ready.”
— Dave Limp, Blue Origin CEO
Should the August 15 launch succeed, particularly with a booster recovery, Blue Origin will solidify its place in the race for reusable rocketry—and the competitive commercial space market may never look the same.
