Description

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Context

The New Glenn rocket developed by Jeff Bezos-owned Blue Origin is a revolutionary heavy-lift launch vehicle designed to compete with industry leaders like SpaceX.

Named after John Glenn, the NASA astronaut who became the first American to orbit Earth in 1962.

Recently, the rocket received a commercial space launch license from the US Federal Aviation Administration after passing its final hot fire test.

Features of the New Glenn Rocket

Feature	Details
Type	Heavy-lift launch vehicle
Height	Approximately 320 feet (32 stories tall)
Payload Fairing	7 meters in diameter
Stages	Two-stage rocket
First Stage Engines	Seven BE-4 engines (world’s most powerful LNG-fueled, oxygen-rich staged combustion engines)
Thrust of First Stage	Over 3.8 million pounds
Reusability	First stage designed for at least 25 flights
Second Stage Engines	Two BE-3U engines (liquid hydrogen and oxygen-fueled)
Second Stage Thrust	More than 320,000 pounds in vacuum

Significance

Enhanced Competition in the Space Industry

The launch of New Glenn will position Blue Origin as a competitor to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 which has dominated the launch industry with over 400 successful missions.

Like Falcon 9, New Glenn features partial reusability, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Technological Advancements

The use of BE-4 engines signifies a breakthrough in LNG-fueled, oxygen-rich staged combustion technology.

The rocket’s reusable first stage aims to support cost-effective, frequent launches.

New Opportunities for Blue Origin

Historically overshadowed by SpaceX, Blue Origin’s New Glenn aims to elevate its status in the space industry.

Its January 2025 mission will demonstrate the company’s Blue Ring program providing maneuverable spacecraft for the Pentagon.

Sources:

INDIANEXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Analyze the potential impact of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket on the global space industry and its implications for India's space ambitions. (150 Words)