Back
Technology

Blue Origin Launches New Glenn Rocket with Reused Booster; Upper Stage Anomaly Results in Satellite Loss

Generated on: Last updated: 10 sources
View source

Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Suffers Upper Stage Failure on Third Launch

Blue Origin conducted the third launch of its New Glenn rocket on April 19, 2026, marking the first reuse of the vehicle's first-stage booster. While the booster was successfully recovered, an anomaly with the rocket's upper stage resulted in the AST SpaceMobile BlueBird 7 satellite being deployed into a lower-than-planned orbit. The satellite is non-operational and will be de-orbited. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded the New Glenn pending an investigation into the mishap.

Mission Overview and Launch Details

The mission, designated NG-3, lifted off from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 7:25 a.m. EDT. The launch followed a 40-minute hold in the countdown, which included a pause at T-3 minutes, 57 seconds for an undisclosed reason before resuming.

The primary objective was to deploy the BlueBird 7 satellite, a direct-to-cellphone internet satellite for AST SpaceMobile, into low Earth orbit. A secondary objective was the demonstration of booster reusability.

Booster Reuse and Recovery

The mission marked a significant milestone for Blue Origin as the first flight of a previously flown New Glenn first-stage booster.

  • Booster History: The booster, designated GS-1 and nicknamed "Never Tell Me The Odds," had previously launched and landed during the NG-2 mission in November 2025, which carried NASA's ESCAPADE probes toward Mars.
  • Refurbishment: For the NG-3 mission, Blue Origin replaced all seven BE-4 engines on the booster. The company stated that refurbishment work included upgrades to the thermal protection system and guidance system tweaks.
  • Successful Landing: Approximately 3.5 minutes after liftoff, the first stage separated. It landed on the droneship "Jacklyn" in the Atlantic Ocean about six minutes later, completing its second successful recovery.
  • Design Goal: Blue Origin states that each New Glenn first stage is designed to support at least 25 flights.

The mission marked a significant milestone for Blue Origin as the first flight of a previously flown New Glenn first-stage booster.

Upper Stage Anomaly and Payload Loss

The mission's primary objective was not achieved due to a failure of the rocket's upper stage.

  • Orbital Insertion: The upper stage placed the BlueBird 7 satellite into what Blue Origin described as an "off-nominal" orbit. AST SpaceMobile stated the orbit was "lower than planned."
  • Satellite Status: AST SpaceMobile confirmed the satellite separated from the launch vehicle and powered on. However, the company stated the altitude is too low to sustain operations and that the satellite's on-board propulsion cannot compensate. The satellite will be de-orbited.
  • Company Statements: AST SpaceMobile stated the satellite was fully insured. Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp posted on social media that early data suggests a second burn of the upper stage "didn't provide enough thrust to reach our target orbit," adding, "We clearly didn't deliver the mission our customer wanted."
  • Satellite Specifications: BlueBird 7 is a "Block 2" satellite with an antenna spanning approximately 2,400 square feet (223 square meters). It is the second satellite of this design to reach space.

Regulatory Response and Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has classified the incident as a mishap.

  • Grounding: The FAA has grounded the New Glenn rocket. Agency guidelines require Blue Origin to complete an investigation into the root cause and identify corrective actions before the vehicle is permitted to fly again.
  • Investigation Process: Blue Origin is leading the investigation with FAA oversight. A return to flight is contingent on the FAA determining that no system, process, or procedure related to the mishap affects public safety.
  • Previous Grounding: This is the second grounding for New Glenn; the first followed its debut launch in January 2025 and lasted approximately two and a half months.

Background and Context

  • Vehicle Specifications: The New Glenn rocket is a two-stage vehicle approximately 322 feet (98 meters) tall. Its first stage is powered by seven BE-4 engines that use liquid oxygen and liquid methane fuel.
  • Flight History: The rocket's first flight occurred in January 2025. The second flight, NG-2 in November 2025, successfully launched its payload and landed its first stage.
  • Future Missions: Blue Origin had announced additional planned missions for 2026, including the launch of its uncrewed Blue Moon Mk. 1 lunar lander. The company also has contracts to launch satellites for Amazon's Project Kuiper constellation. The company stated these plans will depend on the results of the investigation.
  • Industry Context: Blue Origin is the second company, after SpaceX, to successfully land and recover an orbital-class rocket booster via vertical descent.