New Glenn Explosion: Implications for Lunar Landing
Ars Technica recently hosted a live discussion with space industry experts to analyze the aftermath of the catastrophic explosion of the New Glenn rocket in late May. The conversation focused on the potential impact of this failure on NASA’s ambitious Artemis IV mission to land humans on the Moon.
Blue Origin’s Lunar Lander Architecture
According to Eric Berger, Blue Origin’s proposed architecture for a human mission would require four launches of the new variant of the New Glenn rocket, known as 9×4, due to its nine first stage engines and four upper stage engines. The company has not disclosed a target date for the 9×4’s debut, but estimates suggest late 2027 or early 2028.
Expert Opinions on 9×4 Rocket’s Reliability
Caleb Henry expressed skepticism about the feasibility of Blue Origin’s timeline, citing a history of missed deadlines in the company’s development history. He believes adding more engines may complicate the mission rather than simplifying it.
Anthony Colangelo suggested that the development of the 9×4 variant could slip into the 2030s, casting doubt on NASA’s ability to achieve a lunar landing this decade.
