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NASA made the difficult decision to remove the ESCAPADE smallsats from the first launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, scheduled for October. This decision was made due to concerns about the rocket’s readiness and the potential for complications that could arise if there were any delays in the launch schedule.
The ESCAPADE mission, composed of the twin Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers smallsats, was originally set to launch on New Glenn’s inaugural flight from Cape Canaveral, Florida, between October 13th and 21st. However, NASA decided to suspend pre-launch preparations for the spacecraft on September 6th, more than a month before the planned launch date.
The primary reason for this decision was the difficulty of removing the propellants from the spacecraft if the launch were to be delayed. NASA wanted to ensure that there was enough time before fueling the spacecraft so that in the event of a delay, the propellants could still be easily removed without causing major financial, scheduling, or technical issues.
Although Blue Origin had expected New Glenn to launch within the specified nine-day window in mid-October, the company still needed time to test and assemble the rocket. Given the complexities of new rocket launches, there was a risk of potential delays, which further underscored the need for caution in the pre-launch preparations for the ESCAPADE mission.
Despite this setback, NASA remains committed to launching the ESCAPADE mission, which aims to explore the Martian magnetosphere and solar wind. NASA’s assistant administrator for science, Nicky Fox, expressed optimism about the mission’s eventual launch, stating, “We’re committed to seeing ESCAPADE safely into space, and I look forward to seeing it off the ground and on its trip to Mars.”
While the exact timeline for the rescheduled launch of ESCAPADE on New Glenn has not been announced, NASA has indicated that it may take place in early 2025. This would be outside the traditional Mars launch window, which typically opens in the fall and closes within two years.
In the meantime, Blue Origin has confirmed that New Glenn’s maiden flight will now include the Blue Ring orbital transfer vehicle technology as part of its first Space Force National Security Space Launch program certification launch in November. The company has also hinted at a second New Glenn mission scheduled for November, although details about the payload and timing have not been disclosed.
Despite these changes, Blue Origin is not expected to encounter significant delays beyond the necessary adjustments to the payload. The top stage of the rocket is set to undergo static-fire testing on the pad in early September before the rollout, which may be pushed back to early November to allow for thorough preparations.
In conclusion, while the removal of the ESCAPADE smallsats from the first launch of New Glenn may cause some delays, NASA and Blue Origin remain committed to ensuring the success of the mission. By exercising caution and allowing for ample preparation time, both organizations are working towards a successful launch and mission to explore the mysteries of Mars.
