Source: Fortune
Summary
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket launched successfully, but failed to place the satellite it was carrying into its intended orbit. The rocket’s reusable first stage returned to Earth, but the satellite entered an “off-nominal orbit”. Blue Origin is assessing the situation and will provide more information. The launch is a setback for the company’s ambitious plans for space exploration and its reputation as an alternative launch provider to SpaceX. The satellite was built by AST SpaceMobile Inc. and is part of a network to deliver connectivity directly to mobile phones.
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Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket launched, but the satellite didn’t make it to its intended orbit. The company is still assessing the situation. Blue Origin’s CEO Dave Limp had high hopes for the launch, saying the company has “plenty of hardware” to meet demand. But the setback could impact the company’s plans for space exploration and its reputation. The launch is also a blow to AST SpaceMobile Inc., which is building out a network to deliver connectivity directly to mobile phones.
It’s a familiar story: a rocket launch with a hitch, and a company scrambling to recover.
Author: Evan Null
