Monday, November 3, 2025

Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Completes Crucial Hotfire Test Ahead Of Second Launch

The darkness of the Florida night was pierced by a fiery blaze as Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket roared to ___ on October 30. The vehicle's seven BE-4 first-stage engines ignited at Launch Complex 36, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, in a test that would pave the way for its second launch. The hotfire test, a crucial milestone, lasted 38 seconds - an unusually long duration for such a preflight exercise.

Blue Origin's chief executive, Dave Limp, took to social media to share the details of the test, stating that the extended duration was designed to simulate the landing burn sequence. During the test, all seven engines initially operated at 100% thrust for 22 seconds. The non-gimballed engines, unable to adjust their nozzles, were shut down as thrust decreased to 50%. The outboard gimballed engines were then shut down, while the center engine's thrust was increased to 80%. This complex sequence allowed engineers to study the fluid interactions between active and inactive engine feedlines during landing.

The successful test brings Blue Origin one step closer to the launch of its New Glenn rocket, expected to take place in November. The company's progress is a testament to its dedication to advancing space technology.

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WASHINGTON — Blue Origin test-fired its second New Glenn rocket Oct. 30, one of the final milestones before a launch expected in November.
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