Blue Origin's New Glenn returns in under 2 months after failure to launch 48 Amazon satellites

Blue Origin has resolved the failure that stranded AST SpaceMobile's satellite on New Glenn's third flight in late March. Investigators found a cryogenic leak froze a hydraulic line, leading to a thrust anomaly on the BE-3U upper stage engine during its second burn. Blue Origin implemented nine corrective actions, and the FAA closed the investigation on May 22. The company is now preparing for a rapid return to flight.

As soon as June 4, New Glenn will lift off from Cape Canaveral carrying 48 Amazon Kuiper satellites – the largest single launch for Amazon's broadband constellation. The 7-meter payload fairing offers twice the volume of Falcon 9, Vulcan, and Ariane 6, enabling these bulk deployments. This fast turnaround after a failure is a positive sign for Blue Origin's launch cadence, especially as ULA's Vulcan remains grounded due to recurring solid rocket booster anomalies. Amazon has tapped both Vulcan and New Glenn to deploy over 3,200 satellites for Kuiper, aiming to compete with SpaceX's Starlink.