Blue Origin's New Shepard Anomaly Investigation Continues

WE ARE SHARING THIS TO PROVID CLARITY ON THE FCC FILINGS WHICH HAVE BEEN SEEN.

On September 12th, 2022, Blue Origin's New Shepard suborbital launch system experienced an anomaly on its booster stage, causing an automated abort of the capsule during what was meant to be a routine cargo flight. As is standard protocol with any anomalies involving US rockets or spacecraft, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was immediately notified and tasked with investigating the incident to ensure that future flights are safe and reliable. Blue Origin had previously experienced a perfect launch record, with zero launch failures before this incident.

In a statement to TLP, a spokesman for the FAA says "the mishap investigation is ongoing,", "No updates at this time.".

The investigation in question has been ongoing for 5 months, and remains as such. This is in part due to New Shepard being a crew rated vehicle, which requires a much more rigorous investigation. This investigation is also the first time the FAA is investigating an anomaly of a crew rated, commercial launch vehicle. All prior crew rated anomalies in the US were of NASA/government operated vehicles.

The New Shepard suborbital launch vehicle is a reusable spacecraft designed to carry payloads and passengers into space. It is named after astronaut Alan Shepard, who became the first American to reach space in 1961. The vehicle has completed numerous successful missions since its first launch in 2015 and is a significant player in the commercial space industry.

This recent anomaly during a routine cargo flight is a reminder that space is not without risks. While Blue Origin and other companies take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their vehicles, unexpected events can still occur. The FAA's investigation will play a crucial role in identifying the root cause of the anomaly and determining any necessary changes or improvements to ensure future launches are as safe and reliable as possible.

Blue Origin has not released any official statements regarding the incident at this time. It remains to be seen what impact, if any, this event will have on the company's plans for future launches and operations.

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