Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin will launch its rocket a third time
With some new wrinkles to increase the degree of difficulty.
Jeff Bezos' rocket company has already shown its product is reusable, but if it's going to launch "space" tourism, it will have to fly many times. As such, Blue Origin is working fly the New Shepard rocket for the third time on Saturday. According to Bezos, this time the engine will restart fast "just" 3,600 feet above the ground, leaving little room for error on its trip home from the edge of space. Plus, the company's previous tests have only been revealed after the fact, so that's another change. Still, we're not expecting any kind of SpaceX-style livestream, but Bezos says there will be drone cameras in place to get an aerial view of the flight. Whether or not it all works as planned, there should be some exciting footage to share so check back here tomorrow.
Update: At least two microgravity science experiments will be along for the ride.
Working to fly again tomorrow. Same vehicle. Third time. #LaunchLandRepeat @BlueOrigin pic.twitter.com/e1ZfYAibK2
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) April 1, 2016
Pushing the envelope. Restarting BE-3 fast @ high thrust, just 3600 ft from ground. Impact in 6 sec if engine doesn't restart & ramp fast.
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) April 1, 2016
Also, a new more efficient RCS algorithm on the Crew Capsule. Big performance win if it works. #LaunchLandRepeat @BlueOrigin
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) April 1, 2016
We'll have drone cameras in the air and hopefully will get good aerial footage to share. #LaunchLandRepeat @BlueOrigin
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) April 1, 2016