Blue Origin confirmed Thursday that the next launch of its New Glenn rocket will carry a large communications satellite into low-Earth orbit for AST SpaceMobile, with the mission slated for no earlier than late February from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The upcoming NG-3 mission is noteworthy because it will reuse the Never Tell Me The Odds booster, which successfully landed after the NG-2 mission on November 13.
The company stated that the booster is currently being refurbished to power NG-3. If Blue Origin achieves its late-February target, or even a launch in March as sources suggest, this would represent a significantly short turnaround time for an orbital-class booster. This rapid reuse contrasts with SpaceX's initial approach, as they did not attempt to refly the first Falcon 9 booster it landed in December 2015.
The NG-3 mission will deploy the next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellite for AST SpaceMobile into low-Earth orbit. This launch is a key step for AST SpaceMobile in building out its constellation to provide cellular broadband from space.
The implications of rapidly reusable boosters extend beyond just launch cadence. Reduced turnaround times can significantly lower the cost of access to space, potentially revolutionizing industries from satellite deployment to space tourism and resource utilization. The ability to quickly reuse boosters also demonstrates increased reliability and maturity in rocket technology.
Blue Origin's progress with New Glenn and booster reuse is a significant step toward more sustainable and affordable spaceflight. The company's ability to refurbish and relaunch a booster within a few months could set a new standard for the industry. The space industry will be watching closely to see if Blue Origin can maintain this pace and further refine its reuse capabilities.
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