Blue Origin performed static fire test for New Glenn Flight 3

Blue Origin has performed a static fire test on the New Glenn second stage to prepare for the upcoming flight 3. This was the fifth vehicle in the second stage series to enter the test campaign compared to prior test stages.

The upper stage consists of two reusable BE-3U engines, each of which can generate up to 200,000 lb of vacuum thrust. These provide the optimum performance as the second stage takes the payload to orbit. During the static fire, the two engines peaked at 175,000 lbf of thrust, which is a good number in a controlled test environment.

Blue Origin has previously announced that it’ll deliver a payload from AST SpaceMobile to space. Specifically, the company’s next-gen Block 2 BlueBird satellite.

This new satellite will expand Bluebird’s satellite for commercial and government telecom applications, providing unhindered connectivity and coverage.

In the meantime, team Blue has announced that the New Glenn flight 3 will reuse the booster from flight 2, which is a big milestone for the company. The company lands the booster on a floating deck in the sea after separating from the first stage.

The payload is already encapsulated inside New Glenn’s payload fairings and waiting for the mission, but we’re waiting for an official launch date.