This just happened:https://www.blueorigin.com/news/blog/first-developmental-test-flight-of-new-shepardThere's a video at https://www.blueorigin.com/
Are those bumps on the side of the propulsion module legs? I would think it must have fold-out legs similar to the Falcon 9 first stage's legs.
Nice to see an sub orbital aerospace company finally delivering the goods.
Quote from: ChrisWilson68 on 04/30/2015 06:31 amAre those bumps on the side of the propulsion module legs? I would think it must have fold-out legs similar to the Falcon 9 first stage's legs.See the animation videos for the bizarre legs.
Great to see substantial progress after all this time. Congratulations Blue Origin on a good first flight.Equally good that it sounds like the next test will be soon, rather than in another 4 or 5 years time!If booster recovery issue is not too difficult to fix, Blue Origin could be operationall in a similar timescale to Virgin and XCOR. Will 2016 finally be the year of commercial sub-orbital space tourism?
Based on what we just saw from Blue Origin, my money would be on Blue Origin taking paying passengers before either Virgin Galactic or XCOR. Virgin Galactic has to redesign their vehicle and XCOR isn't close to even starting flight tests yet. Blue Origin already flew their vehicle pretty close to space, with no sign they need any significant changes to become operational.
Once the powered landing is proven and trusted, why even bother with a separation event for suborbital flights ? They could evolve this into an all-in-one vehicle and land the first stage with the capsule on top.
Quote from: ChrisWilson68 on 04/30/2015 07:22 amBased on what we just saw from Blue Origin, my money would be on Blue Origin taking paying passengers before either Virgin Galactic or XCOR. Virgin Galactic has to redesign their vehicle and XCOR isn't close to even starting flight tests yet. Blue Origin already flew their vehicle pretty close to space, with no sign they need any significant changes to become operational.Hey, so after a decade of nothing you're convinced after one flight.. where the rocket exploded. Yep, totally sounds ready to me. They could be flying people next week!
They lost the propulsion module. No footage of that