Blue Origin’s New Shepard Suborbital System
Blue Origin’s Approach to Commercial Spaceflight
Blue Origin, the spaceflight company founded by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, has been making significant strides in the commercial spaceflight industry. One of their most notable achievements is the development of the New Shepard suborbital system.
The New Shepard system is designed to take passengers on a brief trip to the edge of space, providing them with a unique and unforgettable experience. The system consists of a reusable rocket and capsule, which are launched together into space. The rocket then separates from the capsule, which continues to ascend to an altitude of over 100 kilometers.
Once the capsule reaches its peak altitude, passengers are able to experience weightlessness and take in the breathtaking views of Earth from above. The capsule then begins its descent back to Earth, with parachutes deploying to slow its descent and ensure a safe landing.
Blue Origin has been conducting test flights of the New Shepard system since 2015, with successful launches and landings becoming increasingly frequent. In fact, the company has now completed over 15 successful test flights of the system, demonstrating its reliability and safety.
One of the key features of the New Shepard system is its reusability. Both the rocket and capsule are designed to be reused multiple times, reducing the cost of each launch and making spaceflight more accessible to a wider range of people.
Blue Origin has also been working on developing a larger version of the New Shepard system, known as the New Glenn. This system is designed to be capable of carrying both passengers and payloads into orbit around Earth, opening up even more opportunities for commercial spaceflight.
In addition to their work on the New Shepard and New Glenn systems, Blue Origin has also been developing a range of other technologies to support their vision of making spaceflight more accessible. This includes the development of a lunar lander, which could be used to transport astronauts to the surface of the Moon.
Overall, Blue Origin’s approach to commercial spaceflight is focused on making it more affordable and accessible to a wider range of people. By developing reusable systems and investing in new technologies, the company is helping to pave the way for a new era of space exploration and tourism.
As the commercial spaceflight industry continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how Blue Origin’s approach influences the wider industry. With their focus on innovation and accessibility, they are well positioned to play a leading role in shaping the future of spaceflight.