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The unmanned cargo space capsule "Blue Origin" separated from the launch vehicle today due to a malfunction near the rocket engine section, minutes after launch in Texas, the company said. During the live broadcast of the launch, it was announced that an "anomaly" had been detected on the launch vehicle.
Blue Origin’s launch commentary went silent when the capsule catapulted off the rocket, later announcing: "It appears we've experienced an anomaly with today's fight," said Blue Origin's launch commentator. "This was unplanned, and we don't have any details yet.
but our crew capsule was able to escape successfully." Launch commentator Erika Wagner said the capsule managed to escape successfully. “Booster failure on today’s uncrewed flight. Escape system performed as designed,” the company tweeted later.
Federal Aviation Administration investigating
"No injuries or damage to public property related to the booster failure have been reported, the FAA said. Before the New Shepard vehicle can return to flight, the FAA will determine whether any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap affected public safety," the agency said in a statement.
"This is standard practice for all mishap investigations.
The FAA is responsible for protecting the public during commercial space transportation launch and reentry operations." The owner of the company "Blue Origin" is Jeff Bezos, and the rocket program "New Shepard" was developed with the aim of enabling private space tourism.
So far, more than 30 people have flown into space on a rocket of this type. "We’re responding to an issue this morning at our Launch Site One location in West Texas," Blue Origin tweeted, adding that the capsule's abort system "functioned as designed." Blue Origin completed its most recent New Shepard flight with private astronauts on board in August.
The company, which Mr. Bezos founded more than two decades ago, is also developing a larger rocket called New Glenn, as well as rocket engines and, with other companies, a private space station. The company said that more information will be released later.
