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Tag: Blue Origin

  • Blue Origin to Deliver NASA’s VIPER Rover to the Moon

    Blue Origin to Deliver NASA’s VIPER Rover to the Moon

    Blue Origin Secures NASA Deal for VIPER Moon Mission

    Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos has won a significant contract from NASA to transport the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover VIPER to the lunar south pole. This mission is a critical part of NASA’s Artemis program which aims to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon.

    Details of the NASA Contract

    • What: NASA has selected Blue Origin to deliver the VIPER Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover to the lunar surface under a Commercial Lunar Payload Services CLPS task order. NASA
    • Lander: The rover will ride aboard Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mark 1 MK1 lander. Blue Origin is also building a second MK1 lander for this specific mission.
    • Timeline: The delivery is planned for late 2027 assuming the lander’s first CLPS mission succeeds.
    • Contract Value: The CLPS task order has a potential value of about $190 million.
    • Scope of Work:
      • Blue Origin is responsible for designing the lander accommodations specific to VIPER integrating the payload planning for the mission conducting tests and deploying the rover after landing.
      • NASA retains responsibility for rover operations once deployed and for science planning.
      • There is a base portion of the task order payload-specific design and off-loading demonstration and an option to proceed with full rover delivery and deployment after review.

    Context & Background

    • Cancellation & Revival: VIPER was originally scheduled to go to the Moon via Astrobotic’s Griffin lander under an earlier CLPS contract. It was canceled in mid-2024 by NASA due to cost overruns scheduling delays and technical issues.
    • After cancellation NASA: sought alternate paths to still use the VIPER rover’s capabilities. This new contract with Blue Origin is that alternative.

    Scientific & Strategic Objectives

    • Primary Mission Goal: VIPER will explore permanently shadowed regions at the lunar South Pole looking for ice and volatiles materials that are critical for future human missions water fuel life support.
    • Mission Duration: The rover has a planned operational timeframe of about 100 earth days on the lunar surface.

    VIPER Rover’s Mission

    The VIPER rover is designed to explore the lunar south pole searching for water ice and other resources. Understanding the availability and distribution of these resources is crucial for future lunar missions and potential resource utilization. The data collected by VIPER will inform NASA’s plans for sustainable lunar exploration.

    Blue Origin’s Role in Artemis Program

    Blue Origin is a key partner in NASA’s Artemis program. Their Blue Moon lander is designed to deliver payloads and eventually humans to the lunar surface. This recent contract further solidifies Blue Origin’s role in supporting NASA’s lunar ambitions.

    Advancing Lunar Exploration

    This collaboration between NASA and Blue Origin highlights the growing importance of commercial partnerships in space exploration. By leveraging the expertise and innovation of private companies like Blue Origin, NASA can accelerate its goals and achieve ambitious milestones in lunar exploration.

    The successful delivery of the VIPER rover will mark a significant step forward in understanding the Moon’s resources and paving the way for future human missions. The Artemis program relies on gathering data from tools such as the VIPER rover.

  • Anduril Blue Origin to Reentry Tech for DoD

    Anduril Blue Origin to Reentry Tech for DoD

    Anduril and Blue Origin Team Up for Space Cargo Delivery

    Anduril and Blue Origin have partnered to explore efficient methods of transporting cargo from orbit back to Earth for the Pentagon. Consequently this initiative aims to strengthen logistical capabilities for defense and other critical applications.

    The Vision for Orbital Cargo Transport

    The collaboration focuses on developing innovative solutions for retrieving payloads from space. Specifically the teams will investigate methods technologies and systems to ensure safe reliable and cost-effective delivery.

    Key Objectives of the Study

    • Assess Current Technologies: Evaluating existing technologies suitable for orbital cargo return.
    • Develop Novel Approaches: Creating new methods to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
    • Enhance Reliability: Ensuring dependable and secure delivery of payloads.

    1. Reusability and Rocket Reliability

    • New Glenn Blue Origin’s heavy-lift orbital rocket is designed with a reusable first stage capable of vertical landings key for reducing launch costs and enabling rapid turnaround. While the initial booster landing attempt in January 2025 fell short the orbital launch was successful.
    • This focus on reusability extends Blue Origin’s competitive positioning among national security launch providers.

    High Payload Capacity and Robust Infrastructure

    New Glenn offers a massive payload capacity 45 metric tons to Low Earth Orbit LEO. Moreover its uniquely spacious 7-meter diameter fairing vastly expands payload design flexibility. Additionally substantial ground facilities including a custom-built launch site at Cape Canaveral and advanced manufacturing centers in Florida support its development.New Space Economy

    Experience with National Security and Logistics

    • Blue Origin secured $2.3 billion in Pentagon contracts through 2029 under the National Security Space Launch program affirming its capability to serve sensitive and technically demanding missions.
    • The Blue Ring spacecraft a logistics platform launched during New Glenn’s first flight demonstrated capabilities applicable to in-space transport host and relay functions and potential resupply operations.

    Engaging in Rocket Cargo Logistics Planning

    • In the Pentagon’s REGAL Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics program Blue Origin received a $1.37M contract. Specifically the company will examine how New Glenn and similar systems could enable point-to-point material transport through space-based delivery.
    • Moreover their involvement aligns with broader Department of Defense efforts to reimagine logistics. Specifically the focus includes fast space-enabled transportation to remote or conflict zones.

    Anduril’s Contribution

    Anduril will contribute its advanced engineering and software capabilities to develop the necessary infrastructure and logistical solutions. Furthermore its expertise in autonomous systems and defense technology will play a key role in the project.