Blue Origin Gives a Boost to Reusable Rocket Tech in Landmark Launch
January 26, 2016 | NASAEstimated reading time: Less than a minute

Congratulations from NASA’s Commercial Crew Program are again in order for Blue Origin following the launch Friday of its New Shepard sub-orbital rocket and spacecraft. The launch at the company’s West Texas test site set a new mark because it was performed with the same booster that flew a similar mission profile three months ago. The test is significant because rocket reusability could drive down spaceflight hardware costs.
In both flights, the New Shepard booster flew high into the sky before separating from the uncrewed capsule. The flight reached above the 100 kilometer Karman line, which is considered to mark the beginning of space. In both missions, the booster returned to Earth and landed on its four legs. The spacecraft, designed for humans but not carrying people yet, parachuted back to the ground. Blue Origin has worked with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program on the development of the vehicle and rocket engine since 2010. NASA did not have a hand in this flight test, but the space agency will support two milestones this year.
Suggested Items
The Test Connection Inc. Appoints USM Reps as Exclusive Sales Representative in Mexico
05/13/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a leading provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of USM Reps as its exclusive sales representative in Mexico.
Top 10 OSAT Companies of 2024 Revealed—China Players See Double-Digit Growth, Reshaping the Global Market Landscape
05/13/2025 | TrendForceTrendForce’s latest report on the semiconductor packaging and testing (OSAT) sector reveals that the global OSAT industry in 2024 faced dual challenges from accelerating technological advancements and ongoing industry consolidation.
Innovative Technology Advancements in Test: HATS² Technology and Its Impact on Reliability Testing
05/14/2025 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007Ensuring the reliability of printed circuit boards (PCBs) has become increasingly difficult and critical, yet the development of advanced testing methodologies is essential to meeting industry demands and addressing persistent challenges. One significant innovation is the High Acceleration Thermal Shock (HATS²) test system, which transforms how reliability testing is conducted. After 40 years in the testing business at Microtek, Bob Neves is beginning a new journey with his company, Reliability Assessment Solutions Inc. (RAS).
Discover TRI Test Solutions at New-Tech 2025
05/08/2025 | TRIBynet Testing Systems, TRI's industry partner, will join New-Tech 2025 at EXPO Tel-Aviv, Pavilion 1 from May 20 – 21, 2025.
Datest Expands Presence in the Upper Midwest with Omni-Tec Partnership
05/05/2025 | DatestDatest, a trusted leader in advanced testing, engineering, inspection, and failure analysis services, is proud to announce its partnership with Gary Krieg of Omni-Tec, Inc. as its official sales representative in the Upper Midwest.