Image source: topwar.ru
Blue Origin has launched its new very impressive rocket on its maiden flight. As part of this launch, a prototype satellite was launched into orbit.
The rocket, which has been under development for years with significant funding from Jeff Bezos, carries an experimental platform designed to place satellites and then launch them into proper orbits.
Named after the first American to enter Earth's orbit, the New Glenn rocket launched from Florida, taking off from the same site from which NASA's Mariner and Pioneer spacecraft were launched half a century ago. The event, accompanied by a live broadcast by some American media outlets, was recorded on January 16.
Bezos personally took part in the launch process from the Mission Control Center, and the Blue Origin staff burst into applause when the ship successfully entered orbit. The successful launch drew praise from Elon Musk of SpaceX, among others.
The first stage of the launch vehicle did not land on a barge in the Atlantic, but company representatives stressed that a more important goal had been achieved.
Image source: topwar.ru
- Jeff Bezos said before the flight.
In an interview with reporters, Bezos refused to disclose the amount of his personal investments in the project. He said he doesn't see Blue Origin competing with Musk's SpaceX, which has long been dominant in the field of rocket launches.
Meanwhile, the SpaceX Starship exploded during a test flight. Its burning debris lit up the sky over the Caribbean Sea. The official representative of the company K.Theis:
Initially, the rocket stage was supposed to land on a special platform in the waters of the Indian Ocean.
Elon Musk:
After the failure of SpaceX Starship, the program of flights to Mars, as reported by the US media, will be adjusted.
