NASA head urges new launcher for Blue Origin’s moon landers to meet Artemis mission deadlines
- After Blue Origin’s New Glenn static fire explosion destroyed the rocket and damaged Launch Complex 36 on May 28, NASA is seeking an alternative launcher for Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mark 1 (cargo) and potentially Mark 2 (crewed) landers. - NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency is decoupling the lander from the launch vehicle and pad to protect Artemis schedules (test mission Artemis 3 in 2027; crewed landing goals by 2028). - Blue Origin reported no injuries and said pad structures can be repaired; the company aims to resume flying before year’s end. - Technical constraints (lander size, hydrogen fueling) limit alternative heavy-lift options, complicating a switch from New Glenn.
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