Blue Origin is preparing for the second launch attempt of its New Glenn super heavy-lift rocket. The company announced a launch window opening as early as Sunday, November 9, from Launch Complex 36 in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The inaugural flight of New Glenn occurred in January and was considered mostly successful. The rocket’s second stage successfully reached orbit. However, the first stage exploded during its return to Earth before the company could attempt to land it on a drone ship.
Blue Origin had initially targeted a second launch for late spring. This schedule was delayed multiple times. The company is exercising significant caution with this second flight because it will be carrying payloads for paying customers. The primary cargo consists of NASA’s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft, which are destined for Mars. A Viasat technology demonstrator will also be on the rocket.