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WG3K   > ANS      10.02.25 05:12l 17 Lines 3649 Bytes #15 (0) @ AMSAT
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Subj: Blue Origin Simulates Lunar Gravity on Landmark New Shepard
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Blue Origin successfully launched its NS-29 mission on February 4th, marking a significant milestone in suborbital research. The mission, which lifted off from the company窶冱 West Texas launch site at 11 a.m. EST (16:00 UTC), was originally scheduled for January 28th but was delayed due to weather and technical issues. This flight was the 29th for the reusable New Shepard vehicle and featured a unique capability: the simulation of lunar gravity in suborbital space.

The NS-29 mission proceeded as planned, with both the booster and the crew capsule executing safe returns to Earth. The booster performed a controlled vertical landing on the designated pad, while the capsule descended under parachutes, touching down in the West Texas desert approximately 10 minutes after launch. However, one of the capsule窶冱 three parachutes did not fully open. Blue Origin officials assured viewers during the live broadcast that the spacecraft is designed to land safely even if not all parachutes fully deploy.

A key feature of this mission was its ability to generate lunar gravity forces窶蚤 first for New Shepard. The capsule achieved this by rotating about 11 times per minute for two minutes using its reaction-control thrusters. This capability was developed to support research on lunar-related technologies, benefiting the 30 payloads aboard the spacecraft. Among these, 29 experiments were specifically designed to test innovations applicable to the Moon窶冱 environment.
[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Blue-Origin-New-S...]https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Blue-Origin-New-Shepard-NS-29-Launch.jpg
Blue Origin New Shepard NS-29 mission simulated lunar gravity to support lunar-related research for 30 payloads. [Credit: Blue Originhttps://www.blueorigin.com/]

Blue Origin categorized these experiments into six focus areas: in-situ resource utilization, dust mitigation, advanced habitation systems, sensors and instrumentation, small spacecraft technologies, and entry, descent, and landing methods. Many of these experiments were backed by NASA窶冱 Flight Opportunities Program, underscoring the space agency窶冱 commitment to developing technology for lunar exploration. With the Artemis program aiming for long-term human presence on the Moon, missions like NS-29 provide valuable data to refine critical systems for future lunar operations.

Notable NASA-supported experiments aboard NS-29 included the Electrostatic Dust Lofting project, which examined how lunar dust becomes electrically charged and moves when exposed to ultraviolet light. Another key experiment, the Lunar-g Combustion Investigation, studied fire behavior in lunar gravity compared to Earth窶冱, helping to enhance safety in future lunar habitats. Other experiments tested propellant management in low gravity, soil analysis tools, and small satellite propulsion systems, all contributing to advancing space exploration technologies.

New Shepard, named after astronaut Alan Shepard, has been operational since its first uncrewed flight in April 2015. The vehicle made history in 2021 by carrying Jeff Bezos and three others on its first crewed flight. While primarily known for space tourism, with nine of its 29 flights carrying passengers, the system continues to play a critical role in scientific research. The successful NS-29 mission not only demonstrated Blue Origin窶冱 ability to simulate lunar gravity but also reinforced its contribution to advancing space technology in support of NASA窶冱 lunar ambitions.

[ANS thanks the Mike Wall, Space.com,https://www.space.com/ for the above information]


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