Blue Origin cleared to launch New Glenn rocket again after FAA investigation

Source: Engadget

Background

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has cleared Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket for launch after a thorough investigation. The agency had previously grounded the vehicle following a failure to place its payload into the intended orbit during the third mission (NG‑3).

During NG‑3, the first‑stage booster was successfully reused, but the AST SpaceMobile satellite it carried was delivered to an “off‑nominal orbit.” The satellite later separated, but its altitude was too low for sustained operations, leading to a planned de‑orbit.

Investigation Findings

The FAA opened a mishap investigation to determine the root cause and required corrective actions. In a statement to SpaceNews, the agency disclosed that the direct cause was:

“A cryogenic leak that froze a hydraulic line and led to a thrust anomaly during the second‑stage engine burn.”

Blue Origin identified that one of the BE‑3U engines on the upper stage did not achieve full thrust during the second‑stage (GS2) burn due to an off‑nominal thermal condition. The company has implemented nine corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Future Plans

Blue Origin announced on X that the FAA has approved its report and accepted the corrective measures. The company indicated that preparations for the next flight (NG‑4) are ongoing:

“NG‑4 preparations continue — updates coming soon.”

CEO Dave Limp shared a video showing the New Glenn transporter erector and mentioned that integrated hot‑fire testing is forthcoming.

Fun video showcasing “No, It’s Necessary” lifting on the Transporter Erector. Next stop integrated hotfire. “Never Tell Me The Odds” is in the house, too (well into its refurb cycle)
— Dave Limp (@davill) May 22 2026

The timeline for the NG‑4 mission has not yet been announced.