Blue Origin Advances Towards NSSL Certification After Successful Launch

Blue Origin's second successful launch of its New Glenn heavy lifter is a significant milestone in its pursuit of National Security Space Launch, or NSSL, certification. According to a report from Breaking Defense, this launch included the successful recovery of its reusable booster at sea, marking a pivotal step for the company to begin launching critical national security payloads.

The Space Force initially awarded Blue Origin the ability to compete for NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts earlier this year, but the certification hinged on the completion of this second launch. With New Glenn having successfully lifted off and landed its booster, the Space Force is now in the final stages of its review process.

Space Systems Command, or SSC, is in the midst of certifying New Glenn for national security missions following the successful NG-2 launch. Certification flights like this one are essential, as they provide analytical data needed to confirm that launch system providers are prepared to deliver U.S. military satellites that support critical defense and intelligence requirements.

The New Glenn rocket made its first certification flight back in January, and Blue Origin initially aimed for this second launch to occur in the spring of 2023. During the recent launch, New Glenn transported two spacecraft built by Rocket Lab for NASA's ESCAPADE Mars mission.

Blue Origin's successful recovery of the reusable first stage booster on its recovery ship, named Jacklyn after Jeff Bezos's mother, is particularly noteworthy. This achievement makes Blue Origin only the second company to successfully land such a large booster at sea, following SpaceX's established practices.

Blue Origin emphasized that this landing was achieved on their second attempt, underscoring the progress they have made. Dave Limp, Blue Origin's CEO, expressed optimism for the company's future, stating this is just the beginning as they aim to scale their flight cadence and continue delivering for clients.

Under the current NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 award, the Space Force anticipates commissioning Blue Origin for approximately seven missions starting in fiscal year 2026. In comparison, SpaceX is projected to conduct 28 missions, while United Launch Alliance is set for 19.