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Blue Origin has announced that its Blue Ring Pathfinder payload is prepared for integration ahead of the inaugural flight of its New Glenn rocket, NG-1, slated for later this year. This mission will also mark New Glenn's first certification flight under the National Security Space Launch program. Following the successful completion of a hotfire test, the payload will be mounted on the rocket at 
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 10, 2024
Blue Origin has announced that its Blue Ring Pathfinder payload is prepared for integration ahead of the inaugural flight of its New Glenn rocket, NG-1, slated for later this year. This mission will also mark New Glenn's first certification flight under the National Security Space Launch program. Following the successful completion of a hotfire test, the payload will be mounted on the rocket at Launch Complex 36, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Developed by Blue Origin's In-Space Systems division, the Blue Ring Pathfinder is designed to evaluate core flight capabilities, ground systems, and overall operations. As part of the Defense Innovation Unit's (DIU) Orbital Logistics prototype effort, the NG-1 mission is supported by DIU funding to advance future Department of Defense initiatives.
The payload features a communications array, power systems, and a flight computer mounted to a secondary payload adapter ring. Key objectives include validating in-space telemetry, tracking, and command hardware, as well as testing ground-based radiometric tracking systems. The six-hour mission will keep the pathfinder on New Glenn's second stage throughout its duration.
"We're excited to demonstrate Blue Ring's advanced in-space operations on New Glenn's inaugural mission," said Paul Ebertz, Senior Vice President of Blue Origin's In-Space Systems. "Blue Ring plays a critical role in building a road to space, and this mission is an important first step for Blue Ring and enabling dynamic and responsive operations that will greatly benefit our nation."
Blue Ring addresses pressing challenges in modern spaceflight by enhancing space infrastructure and enabling greater in-space mobility. Capable of maneuvering to various orbits, deploying and hosting payloads, and conducting onboard communications and computing, the platform supports a broad range of mission requirements.
The multi-mission platform can host payloads of up to 3,000 kilograms across 13 ports, accommodating satellites in both ESPA and ESPA Grande classes, along with a 2.5-metric-ton payload on its top deck. It is equipped to service destinations in geostationary orbit, cislunar space, and beyond.
New Glenn, towering over 320 feet (98 meters), boasts a seven-meter payload fairing with double the volume capacity of conventional five-meter-class systems. Its reusable first stage, powered by seven BE-4 engines, is designed to support up to 25 launches. The BE-4 engines deliver 550,000 pounds-force (2,450 kN) of thrust each. The second stage features two BE-3U engines, providing a combined vacuum thrust exceeding 320,000 pounds-force.
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