The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it has received a document containing the results of its investigation into the failed landing of the New Glenn booster stage. The first launch of the new heavy rocket took place on January 16, 2025. The booster stage of the rocket reached orbital altitude, while the returning first stage failed to land smoothly on a barge in the ocean and was lost.
Image source: Blue Origin
An investigation into the cause of the accident and a set of measures to prevent similar problems in the future should pave the way for a second test flight of the New Glenn rocket. Only then will FAA officials give the go-ahead for the launch. Blue Origin has formally initiated the process of obtaining a new permit by submitting the findings of the investigation to the agency.
Blue Origin explained that the return stage failed to land smoothly on the barge because three BE-4 engines “failed to ignite properly.” To address the issue, the company will take seven corrective actions that will help ensure safe landings in the future. Neither the FAA nor Blue Origin would disclose what those actions will be.
Earlier, Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp said that the second test launch of the New Glenn rocket would take place in late spring. The exact launch date and the rocket’s possible payload have not been disclosed. As a measure to increase the reliability of the first stage’s return, the company promises to improve the fuel consumption control system on board, as well as make changes to the fuel supply system to the engines.