A rocket engine from Blue Origin exploded last month, which caused a destructive setback for the company that might affect its customers and its own rocket.
(Photo : SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Jeff Bezos announces Blue Moon, a lunar landing vehicle for the Moon, during a Blue Origin event in Washington, DC, May 9, 2019.
Investigating the BE-4 Explosion
On June 30th, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin experienced an explosion of a BE-4 engine during a firing test in Texas, only around 10 seconds into the test. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. However, it is worth noting that the engine was intended for use in United Launch Alliance's (ULA) second Vulcan rocket mission.
Currency, Engadget reported that investigations are now being conducted but the company believes it has a "proximate cause" for the explosion and now works on unspecified remedial actions. The company's spokesperson stated that it will still continue to test rockets to meet its customers' demands when it comes to engines.
This will not only affect the production capacity of the company but also represents unfavorable news for United Launch Alliance (ULA) which has been always reliant on engine technology. After the incident, Blue Origin informed immediately its customer ULA to become aware of what is happening.
ULA stated, "The BE-4 testing issue is not expected to impact our plans for the Vulcan Cert-1 mission." While this will require two BE-4 engines per Vulcan rocket, the company's upcoming New Glenn Rocket will be needing seven. The company is planning to meet the engine delivery commitments this year.
Also Read: Bezos-Owned Blue Origin Wants to Expand Operations to 'Europe and Beyond'
The Space Force recently made significant assignments in the National Security Space Launch Phase 2 program, awarding SpaceX and ULA with six missions each. ULA's six missions are scheduled to be carried out using the Vulcan rocket and are actively preparing to compete for Phase 3 contracts in the NSSL program, as the Space Force encourages increased competition in this regard.
Fixing the Problem
CNBC reported that Blue Origin's BE-4 mishap follows a three-month investigation by ULA into its own test explosion. Last March, the upper stage of ULA's rocket experienced an explosion during a structural test, necessitating partial disassembly of the initial Vulcan rocket to strengthen the already-installed upper stage.
While ULA discovered a problem that would be easy to fix, These tests aim to ensure that the implemented solution is adequate before the company proceeds with reinstalling an improved version.
Slash Gear reported the initial launch of New Glenn was originally scheduled for 2020. However, due to delays, the specific timeline for its debut flight is currently unknown. When questioned about a new target launch date for New Glenn, Blue Origin's leadership has chosen not to provide any comments during recent public appearances.
In 2020, Blue Origin developed a major engine production facility last 2020 and still expands its facilities in the area.
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