Watch the historic New Glenn booster landing on a droneship

Blue Origin has successfully launched the New Glenn Flight 2, marking the first-ever landing of its first-stage booster on a droneship, a significant milestone in the history of space rocket launches, second only to SpaceX.

The first stage kicked off the mission from Launch Complex 36 with its seven BE-4 engines firing at full power, each generating 550,000 lbf of thrust at sea level. These BE-4s use liquid oxygen (LOX) fuel. After lifting off from the launch pad, the rocket achieved Max-Q and performed a main engine cut-off (MECO), followed by stage separation.

The booster reoriented itself in the landing trajectory. During its descent, the booster adjusted its attitude through four actuated fins. Furthermore, its wing-like strakes provided lift and cross-range as the rocket made its way back to Earth.

The first stage performed a reentry burn and deployed its landing six hydraulically-actuated legs to secure its place on the Jacklyn Droneship stationed 375 miles away in the Atlantic Ocean. This is a significant step for the company, as it will enhance New Glenn’s flight reusability.

Here are some important facts about the New Glenn booster landing on a droneship.

Jacklyn departs four days prior to the rocket launch. The RF systems on the landing platform and support vessel track the first stage throughout its flight to facilitate a precise touchdown, despite the weather.

The Jaclyn droneship will take the first stage back to Port Canaveral, the lift will attach to the booster, and the landing legs will retract. The rocket will transition from the barge to the stage transporter. Afterward, the booster will return to LC-36 for refurbishment.