How long will it take to rebuild Blue Origin's launch pad? We asked some SpaceX vets.
Summary
Blue Origin’s recent New Glenn rocket exploded during a test, damaging its launch site in Florida. This situation is similar to SpaceX’s 2016 Falcon 9 rocket explosion, which also damaged its launch pad and delayed launches. Experts who worked on the Falcon 9 recovery shared advice for Blue Origin to investigate thoroughly and rebuild carefully.Key Facts
- In 2016, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket exploded during a test, destroying the rocket, launch site, and a satellite.
- Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded on May 28, 2024, also during a test, causing damage to its launch pad.
- Both rockets were close to increasing flight activity when the explosions happened.
- NASA relied on Falcon 9 to restart human spaceflight and now counts on New Glenn for lunar missions.
- SpaceX’s investigation found the Falcon 9 failure was due to a problem with a pressure vessel lining in the upper stage.
- Blue Origin has not shared the cause of New Glenn’s failure but might have had an engine issue.
- SpaceX was delayed for months before repairing and returning its launch pad to operation after the Falcon 9 explosion.
- SpaceX experts advise Blue Origin to be open with NASA and FAA and to study the wreckage closely to find out what went wrong.
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