Bezos' Blue Origin space company ordered to probe upper-stage rocket failure
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The FAA has ordered Blue Origin to investigate the failure of its New Glenn rocket's upper stage during a satellite launch from Florida. The malfunction resulted in the satellite being released into an incorrect orbit, leading to its re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has directed Blue Origin to investigate the upper-stage malfunction of its New Glenn rocket during a satellite launch from Florida on Sunday. The reusable lower-stage rocket booster successfully launched and landed, but the upper stage failed to deliver the AST SpaceMobile communications satellite to its correct orbit. The satellite was released at an insufficient altitude and re-entered the Earth's atmosphere on Monday. Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp stated that preliminary data suggests one of the upper stage's BE-3U engines did not produce sufficient thrust. The FAA must approve Blue Origin's final report and corrective actions before the company can resume flying the New Glenn rocket. The mission was a key test for Blue Origin's heavy-lift New Glenn rocket as it competes with SpaceX's Falcon 9.
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