What's happening in Blue Origin?

[8900]

Completely silent for almost a year already
Does anyone know the inside of this company
What are they doing right now
Are they progressing well or getting into troubles
Maybe someone like Jim can answer my question?

[Jim]

Have no idea since they don't interface with NASA

[bad_astra]

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/launch_data/permitted_historical_launch/

They haven't apparently sent anything off the ground in awhile.
Their permit was one year renewable from Sept 06. I don't see that it's been renewed but that may not be updated publically.

http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgFinalRule.nsf/0/7f5242499c569f6c862572d7004aeed8!OpenDocument&ExpandSection=-4

Blue Origin suggested that 12 month Experimental permits be lengthened to 18 months.


I don't see anything that shows that they applied for renewal, nor do I see anything that shows such an application was rejected.

[PurduesUSAFguy]

Well given the job postings they had I'm guessing right now they are working on engine development, I guess they came to the same conclusion that Armadilo did and they are getting away from Hydrogen Peroxide.

[Danderman]

PurduesUSAFguy - 12/11/2007  7:09 AM  Well given the job postings they had I'm guessing right now they are working on engine development, I guess they came to the same conclusion that Armadilo did and they are getting away from Hydrogen Peroxide.

If true, this would be the first indication that Blue Origin is potentially serious about their plans.

 

[stockman]

Just found this update on livescience.com with regards to Blue Origin. Not much technical detail however it is current and is made to sound positive. I love the line "step by step, ferociously" 

http://www.livescience.com/blogs/2007/11/21/bezos-amazoncom-blue-origin-rocket-progress/

(Please do not post text from articles....it's called copyright - Chris).

[Danderman]

And then .... silence again.

[nacnud]

They have some pics up of their facility in Washington State, see http://public.blueorigin.com/index.html

[Zond]

Well given the job postings they had I'm guessing right now they are working on engine development, I guess they came to the same conclusion that Armadilo did and they are getting away from Hydrogen Peroxide.

Looking at this job opening:Engine Test Operations Lead, there are still planning on flying hydrogen peroxide and kerosene powered vehicles.

Qualifications:
Required
-Demonstrated technical expertise in liquid rocket engine test stand design, operation and maintenance.
-Pressurized Gas Systems
-Fluid Systems
-Working knowledge of a variety of rocket propellants, experience with cryogenic propellants, hydrogen peroxide and kerosene is preferred.
-Understand/experience with hazardous operations and design for system safety.
-Strong Project Management and team leadership skills
-incorrect degree in engineering and at least 5 years direct experience with propulsion test facilities.
-U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien or otherwise able to review all export-controlled technical information.

They always seem to have a lot of job openings. Is it that hard to find rocket engineers?

[iamlucky13]

At the same time, there is also an opening for a turbomachinery engineer.

Hmm...is that a big carbon-fiber barrel section in the middle of the picture?

[jongoff]

At the same time, there is also an opening for a turbomachinery engineer.

Hmm...is that a big carbon-fiber barrel section in the middle of the picture?

Nah, just a monolith.  Nothing to see here folks, moving right along....

;-)

~Jon

[dunderwood]

and some "weather station" (I think that was their codeword for the McGregor, TX test site they later bought, but I could be wrong).

I think you mean Fort Stockton.  McGregor is SpaceX's test site.

[guru]

and some "weather station" (I think that was their codeword for the McGregor, TX test site they later bought, but I could be wrong).

I think you mean Fort Stockton.  McGregor is SpaceX's test site.

Yes, you're right.  Sorry.

[Zond]

and some "weather station" (I think that was their codeword for the McGregor, TX test site they later bought, but I could be wrong).

I think you mean Fort Stockton.  McGregor is SpaceX's test site.

I think you mean Van Horn. Fort Stockton is near the West Texas/Pecos County spaceport.

[Zond]

According to a Blue Origin job ad they are presently integrating their 3rd flight article: http://www.linkedin.com/jobs?viewJob=&jobId=616978&fromSearch=1&sik=1226104399658

Blue, home based in Kent, WA. and resides on 25 acres with approximately 250,000 square foot of facilities and a multi-million dollar propulsion test facilities on site. Blue also owns and maintains a 200,000+ acre private launch site in West Texas. Blue has designed and built 2 flight articles with 4 successful flights flown to date and presently integrating our 3rd flight article. We are a privately held, well funded company with a head count in excess of 100 engineers.

Blue Origin is committed in the development of vehicles and technologies that, over time, will help enable an enduring human presence in space. Our efforts are focused on reusable propulsion systems, fully autonomous, low cost of operations, life support, abort systems and human factors.