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Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin still faces technical problems. The company confirmed that the BE-4 engine exploded about 10 seconds after starting in a combustion test conducted in Texas on June 30. No one was injured in the incident, but CNBC I understand The engine was to be sent to United Launch Alliance (ULA) and used for the second flight of the Vulcan rocket.
Investigation is still ongoing. Blue Origin said it had “direct causes” for the explosion and was working on “corrective actions” that were unspecified. A spokeswoman said the company hopes to continue testing rockets and meet customers’ engine requirements.
The explosion came months after the failure of the New Shepard rocket, which was eventually secured to a faulty engine nozzle. ULA has a similar problem. After the rocket’s upper stage exploded in March, an investigation was conducted and modifications were made, including thickening the steel walls above the stage.
No matter how much this setback has affected Blue Origin’s production levels, it’s not good news for a company that revolves around engines. ULA needs two of his BE-4 engines for each Vulcan rocket, but for Blue Origin’s upcoming New He Glen he needs seven. Both vehicles will be essential not only for Amazon’s broadband satellite project Kuiper, but also for space exploration missions.
Blue Origin’s commercial spaceflight competitors have their own problems. SpaceX is still struggling to get Starship into orbit, and Virgin Galactic just completed its first commercial flight. So even if it forces the company to adjust its schedule, an engine defect isn’t necessarily a major stumbling block.
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