Washington, D.C. – The Commercial Spaceflight Federation congratulates Blue Origin on its first developmental test flight of its suborbital spacecraft yesterday. Blue’s New Shepard spacecraft, powered by their liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen BE-3 engine achieved Mach 3 to reach a planned altitude of 307,000 feet before a smooth descent of the capsule to the ground.
“Yesterday’s test flight is truly a testament to the progress the commercial space sector is making towards innovative, cost-effective, and reliable access to space,” said CSF President Eric Stallmer. “The development of these technologies will create an avenue for increased commerce and science in space, and will continue to push the bounds of Earth’s economic sphere. The CSF congratulates Blue Origin and its team for their incredible achievement of their New Shepard vehicle.”
More details about yesterday’s flight, including pictures and video from the test, can be found on Blue Origin’s website.
About the Commercial Spaceflight Federation
The mission of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is to promote the development of commercial human spaceflight, pursue ever-higher levels of safety, and share best practices and expertise throughout the industry. The Commercial Spaceflight Federation’s member companies, which include commercial spaceflight developers, operators, spaceports, suppliers, and service providers, are creating thousands of high-tech jobs nationwide, working to preserve American leadership in aerospace through technology innovation, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. For more information please visit http://www.commercialspaceflight.org or contact Associate Director Sirisha Bandla at sirisha@commercialspaceflight.org or at 202.715.2928.
