Blue Origin's NS-25 mission, which was scheduled to launch on May 21 at 4:30 PM, has been cancelled due to a rocket anomaly that occurred just seconds after lift-off. The anomaly caused the maximum stress point in the rocket's flight, known as Max Q, to occur and led to a significant explosion. In response, the New Shepard abort motor was triggered, activating the escape system to safely distance itself from the failing rocket.
Blue Origin later announced that the cause of the anomaly was likely a problem with the nozzle of the rocket's large exhaust cone motor, which directs the exhaust gas downwards. No injuries were reported and Blue Origin confirmed that its payload and capsule can be reused for future missions. However, the remaining rocket, devoid of any propulsion, exploded upon impact.
To address the issue, Blue Origin implemented design changes in the combustion chamber of the motor to avoid mixing the fuel with its oxidizer, as well as adjusting working parameters and using data for modeling safe flights. In a statement released on March 2023, "Design modifications made in the combustion chamber improved thermal and dynamic loads under structural performance."
After the unsuccessful launch in September 2022, Blue Origin's rocket was prepared for another flight with the onarımlar (improvements) and Federal Aviation Administration's review.
