NASA has decided to delay its ESCAPADE mission to Mars, which was originally set to launch in October 2024. The delay stems from concerns about the readiness of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, which is still not confirmed for its first flight. Consequently, NASA is now targeting a new launch window in spring 2025.
Overview of the ESCAPADE Mission
The ESCAPADE mission, short for Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers, aims to send two spacecraft to Mars to study its atmosphere and magnetic field. This mission is pivotal for understanding how Mars loses its atmosphere to space, which is critical for future human exploration of the planet.
NASA’s decision to delay the launch was driven by the need to avoid the complications and costs associated with potentially having to drain the spacecraft’s fuel if the launch were postponed. With the original October window now closed, the next optimal opportunity to launch occurs in spring 2025.
“Given the tight schedule and the complexity of the mission, we need to ensure that all systems are ready before we proceed,” said Bradley Smith, director of NASA’s Launch Services Office. “It’s vital to have everything in place to ensure a successful mission.”
Impact of the Delay
Mars missions are typically launched during specific windows that occur about every 26 months, dictated by the alignment of Earth and Mars. Missing the October window means waiting for the next chance in spring 2025, which will delay the mission by two years. Despite this, NASA believes the delay will not affect the mission’s ultimate goals. The spacecraft will be powered by hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide, designed to last throughout the mission.
“By targeting spring 2025, we’ll have ample time to address any issues and ensure a smooth launch,” NASA stated.
Blue Origin, the company responsible for the New Glenn rocket, supports NASA’s decision. “We’re aligned with NASA’s choice to move the ESCAPADE mission to 2025 and look forward to making it happen,” said a Blue Origin spokesperson.
Blue Origin’s New Venture: Blue Ring
Alongside its rocket endeavors, Blue Origin has announced a new initiative called the “Blue Ring,” a versatile space mobility platform. This platform is set to revolutionize space logistics with its comprehensive range of services, including transportation, refueling, data relaying, and in-space cloud computing.
The Blue Ring is designed to support both commercial and government missions, capable of operating in various orbits from medium Earth orbit to cislunar space. “Blue Ring aims to tackle major challenges in spaceflight, such as expanding infrastructure and enhancing orbital mobility,” said Paul Ebertz, Senior Vice President of Blue Origin’s In-Space Systems division.
Capabilities of Blue Ring
Though specifics about Blue Ring are limited, it is expected to handle payloads over 3,000 kg and feature multiple connection ports for satellites. The platform will also include 144-foot solar arrays and chemical thrusters to ensure its functionality in space. Blue Ring’s design is “launch-vehicle agnostic,” meaning it can be launched on various rockets, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, or ULA’s Vulcan.
Lars Hoffman, Blue Origin’s VP of government sales, emphasized that Blue Ring will offer extended services for delivering multiple payloads to different orbits. Despite the ambitious goal of launching by 2025, Blue Origin’s history of project delays raises questions about whether it can meet this timeline.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Blue Origin’s track record includes delays with both the New Glenn rocket and the Project Kuiper satellite internet initiative. The New Glenn rocket’s launch has been pushed to 2024, and Project Kuiper has faced setbacks, with recent satellite launches occurring on an Atlas V rocket instead.
Additionally, Blue Origin’s joint venture with Sierra Space on the Orbital Reef commercial space station has encountered difficulties, potentially jeopardizing its future.
