Blue Origin reuses huge New Glenn rocket for 1st time, lands booster at sea (launch video)

Key Points:

• Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket launched into orbit for the third time on April 19, marking the first flight using a reused first-stage booster core, though with new engines, advancing the company's goal of reusable orbital rockets.
• The NG-3 mission carried BlueBird 7, a large direct-to-cellphone internet satellite from AST SpaceMobile, to low Earth orbit, continuing the deployment of their "Block 2" satellite constellation with antennas spanning 2,400 square feet.
• The New Glenn first stage successfully landed on Blue Origin's droneship "Jacklyn" after engine cutoff and separation, with upgrades made to the thermal protection system and guidance for improved reentry and refurbishment.
• Standing 322 feet tall and powered by seven BE-4 methalox engines, New Glenn aims to compete with SpaceX's reusable rockets, supporting Blue Origin's plans to launch the Blue Moon lunar lander, which recently completed environmental testing and is scheduled for an uncrewed lunar mission by summer 2024.
• NASA's Artemis program has shifted plans, now focusing on Earth orbit rendezvous and docking tests with lunar landers, with Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander and SpaceX's Starship both progressing toward certification for future crewed lunar missions.