New Glenn launch: a new starting point in the race to Mars!
On Thursday night, one of the most notable events of the year in the space world took place: the launch of NASA's ESCAPADE mission aboard the New Glenn, Blue Origin's new heavy launcher.
So why is everyone talking about this?
Almost full return to Mars
ESCAPADE’s two twin spacecraft will explore how the sun affects Mars’ thin atmosphere — a key to understanding the past (and maybe even the future) of the neighboring planet.
A creative path we haven't seen until today
Instead of waiting for a classic launch window in 2026, the spacecraft will spend a year at point L2 and only then will go on to Mars. This is a model that could allow in the future more flexible accommodations - and a host of tasks that will stand "in the waiting line" on the way to Mars.
Interplanetary debut for Rocket Lab
The company, which built the two satellites, is entering the super league of deep-space missions - a sign of the global ecosystem expansion.
First launch of New Glenn with NASA scientific charger + perfect landing
Blue Origin has proven that its launcher is capable of carrying a load for a real mission - and returning the first stage of landing on a ship. To this day only SpaceX has been able to do this.
And why is it important to us?
Because it's another step toward real competition in the field of heavy launches, more orbit and creative solutions on the way to Mars, and a world where interplanetary missions will be more frequent and accessible.
Space has become more diverse, faster - and much more interesting.
SpaceIL
