Blue Origin Just Pulled Off a Lunar Gravity Stunt: NS-29 Mission Is a Success!

30th Jan 2025
Blue Origin Just Pulled Off a Lunar Gravity Stunt: NS-29 Mission Is a Success!

Blue Origin‘s upcoming New Shepard NS-29 mission promises to be remarkable for further lunar exploration. It will carry 30 payloads, most of which are focused on testing lunar-related technologies. One of the mission’s most exciting features will be its ability to simulate the Moon’s gravity for two minutes, a first for New Shepard.

Updated 4 February: One Step Closer to the Moon

Today, Blue Origin successfully launched its NS-29 mission from Launch Site One in West Texas at 10:00 AM CST, marking a major leap in suborbital research. The mission’s primary objective was nothing short of groundbreaking – simulating lunar gravity for payload testing in preparation for future Moon missions.

Was the key aim achieved? Yes! The New Shepard crew capsule spun at 11 revolutions per minute, using its Reaction Control System to create a lunar-like gravity environment for two minutes – a critical step for testing technologies needed for sustained Moon exploration.

The capsule carried 30 payloads, 29 of which focused on advancing lunar-related technologies, from resource utilization to dust mitigation and habitat systems. The mission’s payloads explored six key lunar research areas (find below the full list).

What Is The NS-29 Mission Launch Date?

Blue Origin initially targeted launch on 28 January 28, 2025, but rescheduled it due to thick clouds and an avionics issue with the booster. However, a new launch date will be announced soon.

While we await the rescheduled launch, let’s look at what this mission is all about.

NS-29 Mission Details & Goals

The NS-29 mission will test six key areas of lunar technology: 

  • Using resources on the Moon;
  • Reducing dust; 
  • Improving living systems; 
  • Advancing sensors and tools;
  • Developing small spacecraft; 
  • Refining landing techniques. 

By testing these technologies with reduced costs, Blue Origin aims to make space travel cheaper for everyone. Additionally, the mission aims to help NASA and other companies test innovations essential for exploring the Moon and supporting the Artemis program.

Simulating Lunar Gravity With New Shepard’s Reaction Control System

One of the highlights of the NS-29 mission is its ability to simulate lunar gravity. The New Shepard crew capsule uses its Reaction Control System (RCS) to spin at about 11 revolutions per minute. This spin creates a force similar to one-sixth of Earth’s gravity — the same as on the Moon. 

By simulating lunar gravity, customers can test and improve their lunar technologies more quickly and affordably. Comparatively, before, simulating the Moon’s gravity was only possible for a few seconds in special machines or for about 20 seconds during parabolic flights.

Inspiring Future Generations With Club For The Future

The mission will also carry thousands of postcards for Club for the Future, Blue Origin’s nonprofit focused on inspiring young people to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Since its founding in 2019, the organisation has engaged over 44 million people worldwide. Students can submit digital postcards to participate in this exciting initiative.

NS-29 Mission Milestones

New Shepard’s 29th flight marks over 175 commercial payloads flown. Of the 30 payloads, 29 will be in the crew capsule, and one will be exposed to space on the booster. Over half are supported by NASA’s Flight Opportunities program, and four come from Honeybee Robotics, focusing on lunar excavation technologies. 

The NS-29 mission highlights the compatibility between New Shepard’s boosters and capsules. With three capsules and two boosters now available, launch options for payloads and astronauts have significantly expanded.

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