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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Anthony Cuthbertson

Blow for Jeff Bezos as Blue Origin satellite misses orbit

  • Jeff Bezos's private rocket firm Blue Origin experienced a setback when its New Glenn rocket failed to deliver a Bluebird 7 satellite into orbit on Sunday.
  • The satellite, designed to provide direct-to-smartphone broadband, was lost shortly after separating from the rocket's upper stage, as its altitude was too low to sustain operations.
  • Despite the satellite loss, the mission achieved a significant success with the safe return and landing of New Glenn's first-stage booster rocket, marking its second successful recovery.
  • This reusability achievement for the 'Never Tell Me The Odds' booster was acknowledged by SpaceX boss Elon Musk, highlighting its competitiveness with SpaceX's reusable rockets.
  • Blue Origin plans to use New Glenn for Nasa's Artemis IV mission in 2028 and an uncrewed Blue Moon lander mission to the Moon in the coming months, though the impact of this setback on the timeline is unclear.

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