Blue Origin recently launched its New Glenn rocket for the third time. This mission included the re-use of a first-stage booster that successfully landed back at sea. However, there was a setback: the rocket’s second stage failed to place the BlueBird 7 satellite into the correct orbit, according to company officials.
AST SpaceMobile, the satellite’s manufacturer from Midland, Texas, noted that the satellite’s propulsion system could not make up for its lower-than-expected altitude. Consequently, the satellite will likely deorbit soon.
This launch took place at Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 7:25 a.m. ET, following a brief countdown hold. The New Glenn rocket, powered by its seven BE-4 engines, lifted off with an impressive 3.8 million pounds of thrust, showcasing the power of modern space technology.
The mission aimed to deploy the BlueBird 7 as part of a new satellite network for direct cellular broadband service to users around the globe. This satellite is equipped with a remarkable 2,400-square-foot phased array antenna, the largest of its kind for civilian use in low Earth orbit.
Despite this mishap, AST SpaceMobile remains optimistic. They plan to launch additional satellites, targeting around 45 in orbit by the end of 2026, with new missions scheduled every month or two. They have agreements with various launch providers, such as SpaceX and India’s LVM3, to support these ambitions.
Blue Origin itself is gearing up to compete fiercely in the commercial space sector. The company’s goals include launching military and research satellites and deploying internet satellites owned by Amazon, aiming to compete directly with SpaceX’s established Starlink service.
Recent industry reports indicate that satellite communications are expected to grow rapidly. A study from the Satellite Industry Association noted that revenue from satellite services reached $139 billion in 2021, highlighting the increasing demand for global connectivity.
As Blue Origin and AST SpaceMobile refine their technology, user reactions have been mixed. While many express excitement about advancements in space-based internet, some concerns remain about reliability, especially after incidents like this latest launch.
Blue Origin’s future plans include deploying moon landers for NASA and enhancing their New Glenn rocket program. However, they will first need to investigate what caused the recent orbital failure. The lessons learned here will be crucial for the company’s next steps as they aim for competitive positioning in the expanding satellite market.
With this dynamic landscape in the space sector, all eyes will be on the outcomes of Blue Origin’s next endeavors. For more detailed information on the satellite industry, you can check the Satellite Industry Association’s report here.
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