Blue Origin is currently navigating regulatory challenges as it seeks to secure an exemption from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) order that restricts commercial launches. This comes in light of preparations for the upcoming New Glenn launch of NASA's ESCAPADE mission, which is scheduled for November 9, 2023. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between commercial space operations and regulatory frameworks, particularly in the context of air traffic management disruptions.
Launch Details and Regulatory Challenges
The New Glenn rocket is set to launch NASA's ESCAPADE mission at 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Blue Origin has reported a 65% chance of favorable weather conditions for this launch. Should the primary launch attempt on November 9 be unsuccessful, a backup opportunity has been scheduled for November 10 at 2:40 p.m. However, this backup launch is complicated by a new FAA order that restricts commercial launches to nighttime hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., effective from November 10. This regulation aims to alleviate pressures on the National Airspace System, which has been strained due to a government shutdown that has affected air traffic control staffing.
Collaboration with FAA and NASA
In response to the FAA's restrictions, Blue Origin is actively seeking an exemption to ensure that the ESCAPADE mission can proceed as planned. The company has emphasized its commitment to working closely with both the FAA and NASA to meet safety requirements while fulfilling mission objectives. Laura Maginnis, Blue Origin's vice president of New Glenn mission management, indicated that discussions are ongoing to explore potential exceptions to the FAA's policy, depending on the outcome of the launch attempt on November 9.
Impact on Other Launches
The FAA's new order is expected to have broader implications for other scheduled commercial launches. For instance, a Falcon 9 launch of Starlink satellites that was originally set for November 10 has been postponed to a later time due to these restrictions. Additionally, another Falcon 9 mission, the Transporter-15 rideshare flight, has also faced delays, as its orbital requirements limit rescheduling options. These developments reflect the ripple effects of regulatory changes on the commercial space industry.
Mission Objectives and Technical Aspects
The ESCAPADE mission involves launching twin spacecraft to the Earth-sun L2 Lagrange point, where they will study the Martian magnetosphere and atmosphere for approximately a year before proceeding to Mars, with an expected arrival in 2027. After the spacecraft separate from the upper stage, Blue Origin will activate a secondary payload from Viasat, which aims to test new communications technologies as part of NASA's shift to commercial networks. The overall mission is designed to conclude about one hour and 40 minutes after liftoff, with the upper stage entering a heliocentric disposal orbit.
Looking Ahead
This upcoming launch marks the second mission for Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, following its inaugural flight in January, which successfully reached orbit despite a landing failure of the first stage. The company has made several improvements to enhance the likelihood of a successful booster landing for this mission. As Blue Origin prepares for the launch, it remains focused on ensuring compliance with safety regulations while pushing forward with its ambitious space exploration goals.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Blue Origin's upcoming launch encapsulates the complexities of commercial spaceflight within a regulatory landscape that is constantly evolving. As the company seeks to navigate these challenges, the outcomes of this mission will not only impact Blue Origin but could also influence future commercial launch operations and regulatory policies in the aerospace sector.