Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket completes crucial hotfire test ahead of Mars mission launch

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket has successfully completed an important hotfire test of its seven BE-4 engines, lasting 38 seconds, paving the way for the launch of the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission to Mars. The company is aiming for the second flight of its heavy-lift, partially reusable rocket to take place on Sunday, November 9, at 2:45 PM EDT.

The hotfire test followed months of extensive preparation, which began with the second stage testing in April. Engineers analyzed data from New Glenn’s inaugural launch on January 16, 2025, and constructed the first stage for the upcoming flight, aptly named Never Tell Me The Odds. This extensive assembly took place in the months that followed its first mission.

The test, which took place late on October 31, involved initial ignition of all seven engines at full thrust for 22 seconds. This was followed by a simulated landing burn sequence, where three of the gimbaled engines were throttled down to 50 percent before transitioning to 80 percent on the center engine, culminating in a controlled shutdown.

Blue Origin also plans to deploy the Landing Platform Vessel 1 (LPV-1) named Jacklyn into the Atlantic for another attempt to recover the booster after the first attempt ended unsuccessfully when the engines failed to relight during entry burn. A mishap report addressing various technical and operational adjustments to improve recovery chances was released in March.

The current mission, ESCAPADE, consists of two identical spacecraft designed to investigate the Martian magnetosphere and its interactions with solar wind over a three-year primary mission. Part of NASA’s Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration initiative, ESCAPADE was initially slated to accompany the Psyche asteroid probe but had to be rescheduled due to conflicts with the launch timeline. NASA subsequently selected New Glenn to carry ESCAPADE, paying approximately $20 million for this opportunity.

Following delays, the twin spacecraft—dubbed Blue and Gold—arrived back in Florida for launch processing earlier this month after temporarily being stored in California. These spacecraft will eventually travel to Lagrange point 2, where they will prepare for a Mars transit.

Once reaching Mars, the spacecraft will orbit at varied distances and inclinations, conducting comprehensive measurements of the magnetosphere using an array of scientific instruments. Unlike MAVEN, which is still operational but beyond its primary mission duration, the ESCAPADE mission is aimed at being a more value for money solution, establishing a 3D view of Martian magnetospheric activity.

As the launch date approaches, Blue Origin has ensured that all components of the rocket, including the ESCAPADE payload, are meticulously prepared for a successful mission. The company’s next objective, following ESCAPADE, will be a test of the Blue Moon Mark 1 lander, contingent on the results of this flight.