Blue Origin Aims for New Glenn Launch on November 12
Blue Origin is preparing for another launch attempt of its 98-meter-tall (321 ft) New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Wednesday, November 12. The previous attempt on Sunday was delayed due to poor weather, an unauthorized cruise ship in the restricted zone, and a pad ground systems issue.
Rescheduling Details and Weather Outlook
The company, founded by Jeff Bezos, rescheduled the mission to avoid bad weather on Monday and Tuesday but did not provide updates on the ground systems issue. Liftoff is now planned from Launch Complex 36 within an 87-minute window starting at 2:50 p.m.
Live Coverage and Launch Probability
Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage beginning about three hours before the launch window. The 45th Weather Squadron forecasts over a 95% chance of liftoff during this window, with no significant weather concerns expected to delay the launch.
Additional Risks and Space Weather Concerns
- The booster recovery zone poses a “moderate” risk on a low-moderate-high scale, noted by the launch teams.
- Space weather could also affect the mission. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued a G4 Severe Watch related to a coronal mass ejection detected on Sunday, November 10.
This is just the fourth G4 Watch issued this solar cycle, making it “very rare,” with impacts expected “about midday on Nov. 12.”
Summary
Blue Origin's New Glenn launch, delayed by weather and technical issues, is set for November 12 with good weather forecasts, though space weather and recovery risks remain under watch.
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