Blue Origin is getting closer to sending its New Glenn rocket on its second trip to space. This time, the rocket might be heading to Mars. The company has already tested the second stage of the rocket in April. Right now, the first stage is being prepped at their Florida base.

The second launch was supposed to happen by August 15, but that's not likely anymore. Some say it could happen in September, while others think it might be later, maybe even November. Blue Origin hasn't said much about what's on board, but there are hints that it could be NASA's ESCAPADE mission.

ESCAPADE is a cool mission with two small spacecraft. Their job is to study Mars' magnetosphere. This mission was supposed to go up on the first New Glenn launch last October. But there were some delays. The spacecraft need special fuel, and once they get it, they have to launch within a certain time.

Because of the delay, the spacecraft missed the best time to go to Mars last year. Now, they have to wait for the next chance, which is later this year. That means they won't reach Mars until 2027. After ESCAPADE, Blue Origin has other missions planned, but things might change based on when the rockets and their payloads are ready.

NASAS ESCAPADE

Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket: A New Journey to Mars

Continue reading...