FAA closes investigation into Blue Origin rocket failure and demands changes before next launch
The federal agency tasked with issuing commercial space licenses said Blue Origin must implement nearly two dozen corrective actions to prevent another failure.
Blue Origin escape abort system worked properly
FOX Weather space specialist Emilee Speck says Blue Origin will work through an investigation with the FAA after Monday’s failed launch.
VAN HORN, Texas – The Federal Aviation Administration says Blue Origin must implement nearly two dozen corrective actions before the private space company tries again to launch its New Shepard suborbital vehicle from its West Texas launch facility.
The federal agency released limited details of its investigation on Wednesday, more than a year after a spectacular failure caused a booster to crash into Earth on Sept. 12, 2022.
During the event, the company said the launch vehicle detected an anomaly, triggering the uncrewed mission to abort.
While the capsule landed safely, the booster was destroyed just over one minute after launch.
SEE THE OBJECTS HUMANS LEFT BEHIND ON THE MOON
Investigations by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and the FAA found that structural failures of an engine nozzle likely played a significant role in operating temperatures.
"The closure of the mishap investigation does not signal an immediate resumption of New Shepard launches. Blue Origin must implement all corrective actions that impact public safety and receive a license modification from the FAA that addresses all safety and other applicable regulatory requirements prior to the next New Shepard launch," the FAA said in a statement.
Specifics from the investigation were not released because the FAA said the report contained proprietary data, but the agency did consult with NASA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
![Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule after an emergency launch abort on Sept. 12, 2022. (Image: Blue Origin)]()
Image 1 of 4Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule after an emergency launch abort on Sept. 12, 2022. (Image: Blue Origin) ( )
![Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule after an emergency launch abort on Sept. 12, 2022. (Image: Blue Origin)]()
Image 2 of 4Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule after an emergency launch abort on Sept. 12, 2022. (Image: Blue Origin) ( )
![Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule after an emergency launch abort on Sept. 12, 2022. (Image: Blue Origin)]()
Image 3 of 4Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule after an emergency launch abort on Sept. 12, 2022. (Image: Blue Origin) ( )
![New Shepard capsule with the parachutes deployed after an emergency abort. (Image: Blue Origin)]()
Image 4 of 4New Shepard capsule with the parachutes deployed after an emergency abort. (Image: Blue Origin) ( )
BLUE ORIGIN CAPSULE ABORTS MID-LAUNCH AFTER NEW SHEPARD ROCKET ANOMALY IN TEXAS
The private space company previously said it planned to return to flying in late 2023, but a spokesperson’s statement following the latest news from the FAA produced more questions than answers.
"We’ve received the FAA’s letter and plan to fly soon," a Blue Origin representative said.
Blue Origin has not stated when it plans to restart crewed flights for seats that originally cost upwards of $28 million.
The company had offered 10-minute spaceflights for tourists to experience brief weightlessness and had launched more than 30 people into suborbital space before the mishap.