NS-15
New Shepard
Blue Origin
Rocket Launch Videos
Crew
Mannequin Skywalker
- Role: Anthropomorphic Test Device
- Nationality: Unknown
- First Flight: 12/12/2017
- Last Flight: 04/14/2021
"Mannequin Skywalker" is a test dummy flown on Blue Origin New Shepard 3's initial flight test.
Mission
NS-15
- Type: Suborbital
- Orbit: Suborbital
Fifteenth flight of Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket.
During the mission, astronaut operational exercises will be conducted in preparation for human space flight. The primary operations will entail Blue Origin personnel standing in as astronauts entering into the capsule prior to launch. These astronauts will climb the launch tower, get into their seats, buckle their harnesses, and conduct a communications check from their seat with CAPCOM, the Capsule Communicator. The tower operations team will prepare the capsule cabin for launch and then briefly close the capsule hatch. The astronauts will then exit the capsule prior to launch.
Post-landing, the astronauts will get inside the capsule to rehearse hatch opening, and exiting the capsule at the landing site.
Inside the capsule during the flight will be Mannequin Skywalker, along with more than 25,000 postcards on behalf of Club for the Future, Blue Origin’s nonprofit organization
Location
West Texas Suborbital Launch Site/ Corn Ranch
Corn Ranch, Van Horn, TX, USA
West Texas Suborbital Launch Site/ Corn Ranch has witnessed the launch of 38 rockets, including 0 orbital launch attempts. While Corn Ranch, Van Horn, TX, USA, has been the site for 38 rocket launches.
Corn Ranch, commonly referred to as Launch Site One (LSO), is a spaceport owned and operated by Blue Origin which is located approximately 30 miles north of the town of Van Horn, Texas, United States.
Rocket
Blue Origin New Shepard
The New Shepard reusable launch system is a vertical-takeoff, vertical-landing (VTVL), suborbital manned rocket that is being developed by Blue Origin as a commercial system for suborbital space tourism.
Landing
Core NS-4
NS4 has successfully landed at Corn Ranch Landing Pad after its second flight. Booster NS-4 last launched 01/22/2026 and has seen 17 successful launches and landings. New Shepard vehicle #4 is the fourth flight vehicle of the New Shepard suborbital rocket. It was used for Blue Origin's first crewed launches.
A sonic boom is likely to occur a few minutes after launch as the booster returns to the launch site. Be prepared for a loud but thrilling experience! Learn more about rocket launch sonic booms
Corn Ranch Landing Pad, West Texas - CR
New Shepard landing site.
Return to Launch Site - RTLS
A return to launch site usually means that after stage separation the booster flips and does a burn back towards the launch site, landing near where it initially launched from.
Agency
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 was the Blue Origin New Shepard NS-15 launch scheduled?
The Blue Origin New Shepard NS-15 launch was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the Blue Origin New Shepard NS-15 launch video?
You can watch the Blue Origin New Shepard launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where did the Blue Origin New Shepard NS-15 mission launch from?
The Blue Origin New Shepard rocket launched from West Texas Suborbital Launch Site/ Corn Ranch at Corn Ranch, Van Horn, TX, USA. Corn Ranch, commonly referred to as Launch Site One (LSO), is a spaceport owned and operated by Blue Origin which is located approximately 30 miles north of the town of Van Horn, Texas, United States.
What rocket was used for the NS-15 mission?
The NS-15 mission launched aboard a Blue Origin New Shepard rocket. The New Shepard reusable launch system is a vertical-takeoff, vertical-landing (VTVL), suborbital manned rocket that is being developed by Blue Origin as a commercial system for suborbital space tourism. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
Did the Blue Origin New Shepard booster for NS-15 attempt a landing?
Yes, the New Shepard first stage booster attempted a Return to Launch Site at a designated landing zone. Booster recovery allows Blue Origin to reuse rocket components, significantly reducing launch costs. Learn more about the landing details.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Blue Origin New Shepard NS-15 launch?
The Blue Origin New Shepard NS-15 launch could have been 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.
How can I get updates if the Blue Origin New Shepard NS-15 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Blue Origin New Shepard launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the NS-15 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Blue Origin live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.