February 4, 2025 4:00 pm

NS-29

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New Shepard

Corn Ranch, Van Horn, TX, USA
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February 4, 2025 4:00 pm

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2026-07-11 08:20:57

NS-29 will simulate the Moon’s gravity and fly 30 payloads, all but one of which is focused on testing lunar-related technologies. The payloads will experience at least two minutes of lunar gravity forces, a first for New Shepard and made possible in part through support from NASA. The flight will test six broad lunar technology areas: In-situ resource utilization, dust mitigation, advanced habitation systems, sensors and instrumentation, small spacecraft technologies, and entry descent and landing. Proving out these technologies at lower cost is another step toward Blue Origin’s mission to lower the cost of access to space for the benefit of Earth. It also enables NASA and other lunar surface technology providers to test innovations critical to achieving Artemis program goals and exploring the Moon’s surface. The New Shepard crew capsule is using its Reaction Control System (RCS) to spin up to approximately 11 revolutions per minute. This spin rate simulates one-sixth Earth gravity at the midpoint of the crew capsule lockers. In simulated lunar gravity, customers can accelerate their learning and technology readiness for lunar payloads at much lower cost.
Launch Overview
Window Open 15:30 UTC
Window Close 23:30 UTC
Lift Off Feb 4, 2025 · 16:00 UTC
Launch Facility Corn Ranch, Van Horn, TX, USA
Launch Pad West Texas Suborbital Launch Site/ Corn Ranch
Target Orbit Suborbital
Payload Overview
Customer Blue Origin
Payload NS-29
Rocket New Shepard
Destination Suborbital
Recovery Overview
Landing Location See Mission Notes
Landing Type RTLS / Droneship
NS-29 will simulate the Moon’s gravity and fly 30 payloads, all but one of which is focused on testing lunar-related technologies. The payloads will experience at least two minutes of lunar gravity forces, a first for New Shepard and made possible in part through support from NASA. The flight will test six broad lunar technology areas: In-situ resource utilization, dust mitigation, advanced habitation systems, sensors and instrumentation, small spacecraft technologies, and entry descent and landing. Proving out these technologies at lower cost is another step toward Blue Origin’s mission to lower the cost of access to space for the benefit of Earth. It also enables NASA and other lunar surface technology providers to test innovations critical to achieving Artemis program goals and exploring the Moon’s surface. The New Shepard crew capsule is using its Reaction Control System (RCS) to spin up to approximately 11 revolutions per minute. This spin rate simulates one-sixth Earth gravity at the midpoint of the crew capsule lockers. In simulated lunar gravity, customers can accelerate their learning and technology readiness for lunar payloads at much lower cost.

Height

LEO Payload

Total Launches

Status

Blue Origin
West Texas Suborbital Launch Site/ Corn Ranch
Launch Overview
Window Open 15:30 UTC
Window Close 23:30 UTC
Lift Off Feb 4, 2025 · 16:00 UTC
Launch Facility Corn Ranch, Van Horn, TX, USA
Launch Pad West Texas Suborbital Launch Site/ Corn Ranch
Target Orbit Suborbital
Payload Overview
Customer Blue Origin
Payload NS-29
Rocket New Shepard
Destination Suborbital
Recovery Overview
Landing Location See Mission Notes
Landing Type RTLS / Droneship

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