Did you see the successful re-usable rocket test by Blue Origin? Anybody ready for a low orbit vacation?

2015-11-24T20:37:05-05:00

In November 2015, a Blue Origin rocket called New Shepard took off from Earth and flew into space reaching an altitude of 329,839 feet (100.5 kilometers). It also delivered an empty crew compartment into suborbital space, returned to Earth and landed upright on the launch pad.

It was a successful demonstration of a system that could lead to reusable rockets. And it could change space travel forever.

Getting to space is expensive, in large part because the vehicles we rely on to boost us into space are single-use rockets. Every mission uses up another rocket. Organizations like Blue Origin and Elon Musk’s SpaceX are trying to change that.

Blue Origin’s demonstration is impressive: The returning rocket stays upright and fires thrusters to slow its rapid descent until it lands on the pad safely.

Eyes immediately turned to SpaceX, which has been attempting (and failing) to perform a similar feat.

Musk makes a good point: The challenges of getting into orbit and returning to Earth safely are tougher than getting into suborbital altitudes. But Bezos’ team has made amazing progress. And it could mean your next family vacation will include four minutes of weightlessness!

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Earth, in all its beauty, is just our starting place. Blue Origin is opening the promise of space to all.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 9:19 PM

2015-11-24T21:19:12-05:00

I will pass for a few years.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 24 at 2015 9:25 PM

2015-11-24T21:25:32-05:00

Great to see examples of success. Important to note SpaceX has done 3 suborbital VTOL landings back in 2013, their recent (learning) failures for VTOL have been orbital ones.