The payload for Jeff Bezos’ rocket: New Glenn’s maiden flight is set to carry two satellites for the US space agency, the National Aeronautics And Space Administration (NASA) into space.
During its inaugural launch, Blue Origin’s rocket will transport the two satellites for the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (Escapade) mission. This announcement was made by NASA at a meeting of the Human Exploration and Operations Committee, as reported by the specialized US space news source, Space.com.
The risk is deemed acceptable
“We’re likely to be the very first launch of New Glenn,” said Bradley Smith, head of NASA’s Launch Services Office, during the meeting. The maiden launch of a rocket bears risks, yet Smith expressed that it’s deemed acceptable. This mission holds a higher tolerance for risk.
Earlier this year, NASA disclosed its selection of Bezos’ space venture, Blue Origin, for the Escapade mission. The contract is valued at $20 million, according to Space.com.
New Glenn is slated for liftoff in approximately a year. However, there’s a risk that Escapade might not launch as planned by the end of 2024. The rocket has faced significant delays: Bezos initially announced in 2016 that the first launch would take place before the end of 2020.
The booster stage of the 95-meter-tall New Glenn is designed to be reusable and intended for approximately 25 missions. The rocket aims to ferry both cargo and personnel to space.
Escapade comprises two small satellites tasked with studying the interaction between solar wind and Mars’ magnetosphere.
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