Blue Origin Blue Moon Pathfinder Mission 2 & VIPER New Glenn
Trajectory
Trajectory profiles are typically finalized by the range a week prior to launch. Check back here for the trajectory and launch visibility map as the launch window approaches.
About the Blue Moon Pathfinder Mission 2 & VIPER Mission
- Type: Robotic Exploration
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
2nd of the National Team’s Blue Moon MK1 lunar lander test missions to validate the necessary technologies for its HLS lunar module. Some of the life support hardware will travel on this mission in preparation for the first crew Blue Moon flight.
This mission will also carry NASA’s VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) lunar rover. VIPER is designed to explore the relatively nearby but extreme environment of the Moon in search of ice and other potential resources. This mobile robot will land at the South Pole of the Moon on a 100-day mission, in order to teach us about the origin and distribution of water on the Moon and help determine how we can harvest the Moon's resources for future human space exploration.
VIPER is designed to roam the Moon using its three instruments and a 1 meter long drill to detect and analyze various lunar soil environments at a range of depths and temperatures. The rover can venture into permanently shadowed craters, some of the coldest spots in the solar system, where ice reserves have endured for billions of years.
The rover was originally slated to launch on Astrobotic’s Griffin Mission One lunar lander (with the Falcon Heavy rocket), but the VIPER mission was cancelled in July 2024 due to budget cuts. After consulting with the industry to find alternative ways to deliver the rover to the lunar surface, NASA ultimately chose to launch it with Blue Origin’s 2nd Blue Moon MK1 lander mission.
Launch Pad & Location
Launch Complex 36A
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
The Launch Complex 36A launch pad has hosted 71 rocket launches, including 71 orbital launch attempts. The Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA launch site has been the location for 1115 total rocket launches.
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
Blue Origin New Glenn Rocket
The New Glenn is a privately funded orbital launch vehicle in development by Blue Origin. New Glenn is described as a 7-meter-diameter (23 ft), two- or three-stage rocket.
Booster Landing & Recovery
The rocket booster serial number is currently unknown. Check back for updates on booster recovery details and landing information.
About Blue Origin
Blue Origin is an American privately funded aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company set up by Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos with its headquarters in Kent, Washington. The company is developing technologies to enable private human access to space with the goal to dramatically lower costs and increase reliability. Blue Origin currently launches its New Shepard sub-orbital vehicle from its West Texas launch site, they are currently constructing a launch pad for their orbital vehicle New Glenn at Cape Canaveral LC-36.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Blue Origin New Glenn Blue Moon Pathfinder Mission 2 & VIPER launch scheduled?
The Blue Origin New Glenn Blue Moon Pathfinder Mission 2 & VIPER launch is currently scheduled for:
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Launch times are subject to change based on weather conditions, technical readiness, and range availability. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date launch time and status updates.
Where is the Blue Origin New Glenn Blue Moon Pathfinder Mission 2 & VIPER mission launching from?
The Blue Origin New Glenn rocket will launch from Launch Complex 36A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida. For viewing location recommendations and tips, check the launch location details above.
What rocket is being used for the Blue Moon Pathfinder Mission 2 & VIPER mission?
The Blue Moon Pathfinder Mission 2 & VIPER mission will launch aboard a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket. The New Glenn is a privately funded orbital launch vehicle in development by Blue Origin. New Glenn is described as a 7-meter-diameter (23 ft), two- or three-stage rocket. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could delay the Blue Origin New Glenn Blue Moon Pathfinder Mission 2 & VIPER launch?
The Blue Origin New Glenn Blue Moon Pathfinder Mission 2 & VIPER launch can be delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites. Check the launch weather forecast above for current conditions and probability of favorable weather.
How can I get updates if the Blue Origin New Glenn Blue Moon Pathfinder Mission 2 & VIPER launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest Blue Origin New Glenn launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Blue Moon Pathfinder Mission 2 & VIPER mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official Blue Origin live streams for the most immediate range updates.