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New Glenn's Launch Success Overshadowed by Satellite Orbit Issue

New Glenn's Launch Success Overshadowed by Satellite Orbit Issue

Post by : Bianca Haleem

Blue Origin achieved a significant milestone this Sunday with the launch of its third New Glenn rocket, successfully reusing and recovering a previously employed first-stage booster.

Unfortunately, the mission encountered a critical hurdle as the rocket's second stage failed to deliver its payload into the designated orbit. The payload, known as BlueBird 7, is a communication satellite designed for direct-to-cellphone connectivity, developed by Texas-based AST SpaceMobile.

AST SpaceMobile reported that the satellite was deployed into a lower-than-intended orbit. While it successfully detached from the rocket and initiated operations, its propulsion system lacks the ability to adjust its altitude to the necessary level.

The company has confirmed that the satellite is unable to function under these circumstances. Consequently, BlueBird 7 is set to eventually deorbit and disintegrate upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

Despite the successful recovery of the rocket’s first stage being a positive development for Blue Origin's reusable technology, this incident underscores the persistent challenges related to mission accuracy.

April 20, 2026 11:22 a.m. 1243
Global News World News Technology World Update

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