An artist’s rendering of how Pad 39A could look if SpaceX begins launching Starship there. Credit: Creative Commons
Whatever it is, it’s big. On December 18, 2024, Space Florida’s board of directors approved a substantial investment in “Project Hinton,” signifying a major development for Florida’s Cape Canaveral Spaceport.
Blue Origin announced today that the payload for the first launch of their New Glenn orbital-class rocket is ready, and that the company still plans to launch the flight this year — which has only 22 days remaining.
An FAA launch license and approval from the US Space Force are still needed for that to happen.
New Glenn at LC-36 earlier this year. Photo: Blue Origin
Some weeks, they say, are better than others. In terms of Spaceflight in the US, this week was one of those better ones, as there has been major activities and milestones set this week:
A Blue Origin BE-4 engine being test fired. Photo: Blue Origin
Used as a sound suppression system, a water deluge is necessary to start New Glenn’s engines.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has granted Blue Origin’s application for a water deluge system at Space Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral. It appears that Blue Origin now has no remaining regulatory hurdles prior to the planned static fire of New Glenn’s first stage and its eventual launch at some point in the near future.
