Live coverage: Blue Origin targets Nov. 12 New Glenn launch following weekend weather scrub

Blue Origin is targeting the launch of its New Glenn rocket on Wednesday, November 12, after rescheduling from Sunday due to weather and ground system issues. This mission is critical for the Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's company, as it aims to become only the second private entity to successfully perform a propulsive landing of an orbital-class rocket, a key step towards its ambitious goal of 25 booster reuses. The rocket carries NASA's ESCAPADE mission to study Mars' magnetosphere and a Viasat communications technology demonstration, underscoring Blue Origin's growing commercial and government contract portfolio, despite facing moderate risks for booster recovery and potential space weather interference.

Analysis

Blue Origin is targeting a rescheduled launch of its New Glenn rocket on November 12, following an aborted Sunday attempt due to weather, a cruise ship, and an unspecified ground systems issue. This launch is critical as it represents Blue Origin's second attempt at a propulsive landing of an orbital-class rocket, a key step towards its ambitious goal of 25 booster reuses. A successful landing would position Blue Origin as only the second private entity to achieve this feat, validating its reusable launch technology.

Despite a high probability of favorable weather for liftoff (>95%), the mission faces notable risks, including a "moderate" risk for the booster recovery zone and a "very rare" G4 Severe Space Weather Watch due to a coronal mass ejection expected midday on launch day. The previous New Glenn booster landing attempt failed due to an engine relight issue, highlighting technical complexities. The status of the initial ground systems issue remains unaddressed by Blue Origin, adding operational uncertainty.

The mission carries NASA's ESCAPADE satellites and Viasat's InRange communications technology demonstration, underscoring Blue Origin's growing government and commercial contract portfolio. Viasat's positive sentiment (0.6) reflects the potential for its InRange solution, part of NASA's CSP, to enhance real-time launch telemetry. A successful launch and booster recovery would significantly bolster Blue Origin's competitive standing in the commercial space launch market.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Monitor the launch outcome, particularly the propulsive landing attempt, as success would validate Blue Origin's reusability strategy and impact the competitive landscape.
• Evaluate Viasat's (VSAT) performance and future contract potential, given the positive sentiment surrounding its InRange technology demonstration on this mission.
• Consider the broader implications for the space launch sector, including potential shifts in market share and technological advancements, especially concerning reusable rocket technology.
• Assess the impact of external factors like space weather and ground system reliability on future launch schedules and operational risks for space-related investments.