There is considerable industry skepticism that Blue Origin can get New Glenn ready in time to meet that launch window, particularly given the tasks ahead and the inherent challenges in getting to a first launch of a new rocket. For example, the first launch of United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur faced months of delays even after it performed a static-fire test on the pad in June 2023.

If New Glenn is not ready by the time the ESCAPADE launch window closes Oct. 21, it’s not clear what payload will fly in its place on the rocket’s inaugural launch, or even what will happen to ESCAPADE itself.

  • Pennomi
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    514 days ago

    By expending the booster they can buy extra time for the transfer window, due to the extra delta v. Hope it doesn’t come to that though.

      • Pennomi
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        313 days ago

        Bezos said they could extend the transfer window in his recent EverydayAstronaut video, so I’m assuming they’ve already run the numbers.