FAA grounds New Glenn rocket after failed satellite launch

The FAA is requiring Blue Origin to conduct a mishap investigation, according to an agency spokesperson. Blue Origin attempted to place a satellite from AST SpaceMobile using its New Glenn rocket but was unable to get it as far into orbit as intended. The failure was caused by a lack of sufficient thrust in an engine, Blue Origin chief executive Dave Limp said. The rocket was carrying an AST satellite intended for low earth orbit that would be used for mobile phone connectivity. Since New Glenn did not drop the satellite as far into orbit as it needed to go, it will be unusable.

Blue Origin is investigating the incident, which happened on Sunday, with oversight from the FAA. The FAA will oversee the Blue Origin-led investigation, be involved in every step of the process and approve Blue Origin's final report, including any corrective actions, the FAA spokesperson stated. Sunday's operation was only the third flight for the New Glenn rocket. Blue Origin was planning on a dozen launches this year. Dave Limp added, 'The investigation will allow Blue Origin to learn from the data and implement the improvements needed to quickly return to flight operations.'

AST said Sunday that the loss will be covered by insurance, but did not say how much it would cost. AST SpaceMobile's share price fell by more than 6% on Monday. The exact financial cost of the lost satellite and insurance payout remains unknown. The FAA will determine based on the investigation findings when New Glenn can be launched again, though how long the investigation will take is unclear. What specific engine issue caused the lack of sufficient thrust has not been disclosed.