Blue Origin's Mega-Rocket Back in Action

Blue Origin's powerful New Glenn rocket is cleared for flight again, according to the company's announcement on Friday. The Federal Aviation Administration has lifted the grounding imposed after the rocket's upper stage failed to deliver a commercial payload during an April launch attempt.

The issue stemmed from an "off-nominal thermal condition" affecting one of the three upper stage engines, resulting in reduced thrust. Consequently, the AST SpaceMobile satellite aboard was lost. Blue Origin has since submitted a report and implemented corrective measures, although specifics were not disclosed.

This clearance allows Blue Origin to proceed with its aggressive launch schedule for New Glenn this year. The company has stated its intention to launch the rocket as many as 12 times by the conclusion of 2026. The one-month grounding's impact on this ambitious plan remains unclear.