Blue Origin has achieved a significant milestone with the successful second launch of its New Glenn heavy lifter on January 16, 2024. This launch marks the first successful landing of the reusable booster at sea, bringing the company closer to obtaining certification for launching critical national security payloads. The United States Space Force had previously awarded Blue Origin an initial contract, allowing it to compete for National Security Space Launch Program (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts for missions scheduled between fiscal years 2025 and 2029.
The NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 launches are designed for high-value payloads, which often require deployment into challenging orbits. According to the Space Systems Command (SSC), contracts for these launches are typically awarded two years in advance, meaning the missions would take place between FY27 and FY32.
Successful Launch and Future Implications
The New Glenn rocket successfully carried two spacecraft developed by Rocket Lab for NASA’s ESCAPADE Mars mission. This successful flight was essential for Blue Origin as it completes the second launch required for NSSL certification. Following this launch, the Space Force is now in the final stages of its review process.
“Space Systems Command continues its process of certifying New Glenn for National Security Space Launches after the successful NG-2 launch,” stated the Space Force in a press release. The SSC emphasized that certification flights are critical for gathering analytical data to ensure launch systems are prepared to support the needs of the U.S. Space Force and the Intelligence Community.
The successful landing of the reusable booster on Blue Origin’s recovery ship, named Jacklyn after owner Jeff Bezos‘s mother, is a notable achievement, making Blue Origin only the second company to successfully land a booster of this size at sea. SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, was the first to pioneer such landings with its Falcon 9 rocket, regularly recovering boosters post-launch.
Blue Origin highlighted the significance of this achievement during its launch broadcast. “Never before in history has a booster this large nailed the landing on the second try. This is just the beginning as we rapidly scale our flight cadence and continue delivering for our customers,” said Dave Limp, CEO of Blue Origin, in the press release.
Looking Ahead: NSSL and Mission Forecast
With the current NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 award, the Space Force anticipates commissioning Blue Origin for approximately seven missions starting in FY26. In contrast, SpaceX is projected to conduct 28 missions, while United Launch Alliance (ULA) is expected to handle 19 missions during the same period.
As Blue Origin continues to progress through the certification process, the implications for national security and space exploration are significant. The company’s advancements in reusable rocket technology not only enhance the efficiency of space launches but also contribute to the broader goals of the U.S. Space Force in securing vital national interests in space.
