Solar Storm Forces Blue Origin to Delay New Glenn’s Second Launch Attempt

The solar storms sweeping across the Northern Hemisphere this week have triggered another delay for Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket launch from Florida’s Space Coast. The company announced the stand-down just hours before liftoff due to heightened solar activity and its “potential effects on the ESCAPADE spacecraft.” TechCrunch

This is the second high-profile delay for the New Glenn’s second flight, which carries a commercial payload for the first time. Blue Origin previously tried to launch on Sunday but postponed due to a combination of weather, a cruise ship in the flight path, and launch-pad equipment concerns. TechCrunch
While the rocket’s inaugural mission in January was largely deemed a success, Blue Origin has taken a cautious stance as it ventures into its first commercial flight attempt. The company says it is reviewing the next launch opportunity while monitoring space-weather conditions and coordinating with range safety authorities. TechCrunch
Solar storms are not typically top-of-mind for launch controllers, but this week’s geomagnetic disturbances — which sparked aurora borealis visible far to the south — posed real risks for satellite operations, navigation systems and launch telemetry. The New Glenn team opted to delay rather than gamble on conditions deteriorating further. Space
For Blue Origin, the stakes are high: a successful flight and reusable-booster recovery would validate its heavy-lift ambitions. But the fresh delay casts a spotlight on the many variables that can disrupt even the most capable launch systems.