Blue Origin Set For 2nd New Glenn Launch Attempt Tonight!
Blue Origin is now targeting 1 am ET on Tuesday, January 14, for the next launch attempt. The flare stacks have become active and propellant loading should begin at 8:30pm ET
3 minute read•Updated 5:43 PM EST, Mon January 13, 2025
New Launch Attempt Scheduled!
Blue Origin is now targeting 1 am ET on Tuesday, January 14, for the next launch attempt. The flare stacks have become active and propellant loading should begin at 8:30pm ET
Teams continue to closely monitor the Atlantic Ocean conditions for the landing vessel landing, and forecasts indicate worsening sea states in the coming days. Additionally, the current launch window for New Glenn closes on January 16.
First Launch Scrubbed; Why?
Blue Origin's inaugural attempt to launch its New Glenn rocket was scrubbed early Monday morning due to technical issues. The launch window opened at 1 am ET (06:00 UTC), but repeated countdown resets signaled persistent challenges for the launch team.
In both its live webcast and subsequent social media updates, Blue Origin remained vague about the specific cause of the scrub.
"We’re standing down on today’s launch attempt to troubleshoot a vehicle subsystem issue that will take us beyond our launch window,...We’re reviewing opportunities for our next launch attempt."
TLP sources suggest the primary issue stemmed from ice obstructing one of the rocket's vent lines designed to carry pressurized gas away from the vehicle. Despite multiple efforts to melt the ice, the blockage persisted, forcing the launch to be postponed. Further complicating the mission was a reported malfunction in at least one of the auxiliary power units (APUs). These units are critical for providing power after engine shutdown, particularly for deploying the rocket's landing legs for a soft touchdown on the company's landing vessel, Jacklyn. It remains unclear whether Blue Origin would have proceeded with the launch if the rocket was forced to ditch its first stage in the ocean instead of executing a barge landing.
Wasn't It A 48 Hour Delay Minimum?
Blue Origin has not confirmed a new launch date or T-0 yet official or provided specifics around the reason for the scrub; it was believed that they would need a minimum 48-hour delay to replenish propellant supplies at Launch Complex-36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base in Florida; but with the flare stacks now active and according to our sources Blue Origin is going for another launch attempt Tonight (1am ET on Jan 14)
While the first delay may have disappoint space enthusiasts, setbacks with complex, newly developed rockets are routine. The first launch attempt allowed Blue Origin to run the clock to T-5 minutes, analyze valuable data gathered during the countdown and resolve minor technical hurdles to ensure a successful future launch!
Our TLP Countdown to Launch Status Board is LIVE, stay in know with the latest updates and live countdown clock for the launch of New Glenn
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As a journalist Zac writes about space exploration, technology, and science. He has covered Inspiration-4, Artemis-1, Starship IFT-1, AX-2 on location.