A joint venture between NASA and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origins has successfully tested a reusable hydrogen-oxygen rocket.
In a test conducted at Blue Origins facilities near Van Horn, Texas the company’s BE-3 rocket completed a two minute burn meant to simulate launch firing and conditions. After its initial burn phase the rocket was powered down to mimic a 4 minute coast through space before being re-ignited for one final burn.
"Blue Origin has made steady progress since the start of our partnership under the first Commercial Crew Development round," said Phil McAlister, NASA's director of Commercial Spaceflight Development. "We're thrilled to see another successful BE-3 engine test fire."
The BE-3 is the first liquid-hydrogen fueled rocket being developed for production in more than a decade. If its development continues the BE-3, or a rocket based on its design, could one day launch humans and payloads into near-earth orbit and return safely to Earth for further reuse. Equipped with that capability the BE-3 could dramatically reduce the cost of spaceflight bringing the stars ever closer.
Images and Video Courtesy of NASA