Last week, Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket achieved a significant milestone — its first successful landing. This event took place on November 13 during the launch of NASA’s twin ESCAPADE Mars probes from Florida’s Space Coast. New Glenn’s first stage returned to Earth about nine minutes after liftoff, landing safely in the Atlantic Ocean on a drone ship named “Jacklyn.”
The booster looked sleek and shiny, a stark contrast to the soot-streaked look often associated with landed rockets. For instance, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 boosters often bear their soot marks, a badge of honor from their fiery re-entries. However, New Glenn’s clean appearance can be explained by its fuel choice.
SpaceX uses Merlin engines that burn liquid oxygen and RP-1, a form of kerosene. This process generates soot, which ends up covering the boosters. In contrast, New Glenn’s BE-4 engines run on liquid oxygen and liquid methane, known as methalox. This combination produces minimal soot, allowing the rocket to return spotless.
Interestingly, SpaceX is also exploring methane; its Raptor engines are designed for the upcoming Starship rocket. Elon Musk believes methane fuel will be crucial for missions to Mars, as it can be produced using the planet’s atmosphere.
Recently, after successfully landing, New Glenn returned to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for inspection. Blue Origin plans to refurbish and reuse this booster for future flights. Each New Glenn first stage is designed for at least 25 launches, a goal reminiscent of SpaceX’s reuse strategy. The Falcon 9 program showcases this approach, with one booster flying a remarkable 31 times.
As reusable rocket technology advances, it could significantly lower the costs of space travel. According to a report by the Aerospace Corporation, reusability in rocketry could reduce launch costs by up to 30%. This shift could pave the way for more frequent and affordable missions, enhancing our exploration of space.
In an era where space travel is becoming more accessible, clean, reusable technology will play a vital role. The successful landing of New Glenn is just the beginning of a new chapter for Blue Origin and the broader space industry.
