On April 19, Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket faced a significant challenge during its third flight. A malfunction in the second stage left its payload, the BlueBird 7 satellite, in an unexpected orbit. This was a setback for Blue Origin as it aims to ramp up its launch frequency.
Lift-off occurred at 7:25 a.m. Eastern from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station after a countdown delay due to a technical issue. The mission was set for a two-hour window, making the successful launch a relief. The BlueBird 7 satellite, designed to provide direct-to-device (D2D) broadband services, was supposed to deploy about 75 minutes after liftoff. It was planned for a circular orbit 460 kilometers above Earth.
However, after launch, Blue Origin went silent during key deployment moments. An hour later, they confirmed that BlueBird 7 had separated but was in an “off-nominal” orbit, meaning it wasn’t where it was intended to be. The company stated they were assessing the situation for more details.
Despite this hiccup, the launch did have some bright spots. It marked the first reflight of a New Glenn first stage, named “Never Tell Me The Odds.” The booster landed successfully in the Atlantic Ocean nearly nine and a half minutes after liftoff, showing Blue Origin’s progress in reusable rocket technology. Yet, the engines used were new, indicating a partial reuse approach. CEO Dave Limp mentioned that the company plans to reuse engines from previous flights in the future.
Reusability is crucial for Blue Origin’s plans to meet the growing demand for satellite launches. Laura Maginnis, the company’s vice president, emphasized the importance of scaling operations to keep up with market needs. Although specific numbers were not shared, she highlighted the excitement around increasing launch capabilities.
The BlueBird 7 satellite weighs 6,100 kilograms and features a large phased-array antenna, which is essential for providing high-speed internet directly to smartphones. AST SpaceMobile, the company behind BlueBird 7, aims to launch 45 to 60 satellites this year to create a global network. This satellite is the first one launched since December, when BlueBird 6 took off on an Indian rocket.
Looking ahead, AST SpaceMobile’s CEO Abel Avellan has ambitious plans for future launches. He expects the company to have 45 satellites in orbit and 60 ready for shipment during 2026. The strategy will shift towards launching multiple satellites in batches rather than individually.
The launch of BlueBird 7 faced challenges, but it also demonstrated the complexities of the modern space industry. As companies like Blue Origin and AST SpaceMobile navigate these hurdles, the demand for satellite communication continues to climb, driving innovation and expansion in the sector.
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