The second launch of New Glenn will aim for Mars
https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/06/the-second-launch-of-new-glenn-will-aim-for-mars/
The second launch of New Glenn will aim for Mars
https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/06/the-second-launch-of-new-glenn-will-aim-for-mars/
2 Comments
This is exciting, but I think it’s worth adding a couple caveats for discussion:
* Blue Origin has said the second New Glenn flight is targeting NET August 15, but they haven’t officially confirmed the payload yet.
* Ars Technica suggests it could be a Mars-bound mission (like ESCAPADE), but that’s still speculative and NASA hasn’t made a firm announcement either.
* Also, isn’t mid-August outside the optimal Mars transfer window? Those usually come around every ~26 months, and 2026 is the next big one.
“Had ESCAPADE launched last October, the spacecraft would now be nearing Mars and beginning scientific operations. However, because they missed the Mars “window” last year, they will have to wait for the next one to open late this year. Thus, the nominal plan involves a launch this fall, with the spacecraft now not reaching Mars until later in 2027.”