3 minute read•Updated 1:24 PM EDT, Mon March 31, 2025
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially closed its investigation into the January 16 booster mishap involving Blue Origin’s New Glenn-1 mission.
The conclusion of the investigation clears the path for Blue Origin to proceed with its next orbital mission, pending standard licensing approvals.
According to the FAA, the incident—classified as a mishap due to the unsuccessful landing attempt of the New Glenn first stage—resulted in no injuries and caused no damage to public property. The booster, named “So You’re Telling Me There’s a Chance,” failed to perform its planned reentry burn after stage separation, ultimately leading to its loss.
The FAA oversaw and accepted the findings of a Blue Origin-led investigation into the event. The final mishap report cited the proximate cause as the inability of the booster’s three BE-4 engines to successfully re-ignite, a critical step required for the controlled reentry and landing of the stage.
All debris from the booster’s breakup landed within the designated hazard zone in the Atlantic Ocean, and there was no threat posed to public safety.
Corrective Actions Underway
Blue Origin’s internal review identified seven corrective actions aimed at preventing a repeat of the issue. While specific technical details have not been publicly disclosed, the company noted the corrective measures are centered on propellant management systems and improvements to engine bleed control—both crucial to ensuring the BE-4 engines restart reliably during descent.
The FAA will verify implementation of these corrective actions before authorizing the launch of New Glenn-2
“We’ve submitted our final report and fulfilled our obligations to the FAA regarding the NG-1 mission booster landing attempt...We expect to return to flight in late spring and will attempt to land the booster again.” - Blue Origin Statement
A Historic First, Despite the Landing Miss
Despite the failed recovery, the New Glenn-1 mission marked a milestone for Blue Origin: the first launch of its long-awaited orbital launch system, which successfully delivered its Blue Ring orbital transfer vehicle to orbit.
The payload deployment was confirmed nominal, showcasing New Glenn’s capabilities as a heavy-lift launch platform.
While New Glenn-1 didn’t stick the landing, its success in achieving orbit and deploying payloads affirms Blue Origin’s progress toward becoming a competitive force in the commercial launch market.
