Hey there, tech enthusiasts! It’s your buddy Nuked here, ready to dive into the latest and greatest in the world of rockets!

This week marked a big win for Blue Origin as their New Glenn rocket completed its first second-stage hot fire test. This test was crucial for ensuring that all subsystems, including the two BE-3U engines and ground control systems, work seamlessly together.

The hot fire lasted a solid 15 seconds, giving the launch operations team a chance to get some practice in before the highly anticipated launch set for November. Yes, folks, they’re gearing up for liftoff!

Now, New Glenn is Blue Origin’s answer to SpaceX’s rocket dominance in the space game. While Jeff Bezos’ team has mostly been focusing on suborbital tourist flights with the New Shepard rocket, they’re now turning their sights on bigger missions.

Initially, New Glenn was slated to launch NASA’s small satellite mission ESCAPADE this year, but that plan has been scrapped. Instead, the first mission (NG-1) will see the rocket carrying Blue Origin’s new Blue Ring orbital platform into orbit.

Exciting times ahead as they prepare to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida this November! Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a smooth mission!