Blue Origin is set to launch a New Shepard rocket Tuesday to conduct a test where moon-related technology will be tested while the experience simulated lunar gravity. File Photo courtesy of Blue Origin
Blue Origin scheduled a Tuesday morning launch in west Texas where moon-related technology will be tested while the experience simulated lunar gravity.
The NS-29 mission is expected liftoff at 11 a.m., EST, with 30 scientific payloads. During the trip, the payloads will experience two minutes of lunar gravity, simulated by the New Shepard spacecraft spinning at a rate of 11 revolutions per minute. Advertisement
Blue Origin said the spacecraft will achieve its moon gravity spin by using a new Reaction Control System, which will take charge of making the revolutions. The spin simulates one-sixth of the Earth’s gravity.
“The flight will test six broad lunar technology areas: In-situ resource utilization, dust mitigation, advanced habitation systems, seniors and instrumentation, small spacecraft technologies, and entry descent and landing,” Blue Origin said in a statement.
“Proving out these technologies at a lower cost is another step toward Blue Origin’s mission to lower the cost of access to space for the benefit of Earth.”
Blue Origin said the test will help NASA move closer to its goals with the Artemis project of exploring the Moon’s surface. Advertisement
“Previously, the Moon’s gravity could only be simulated a few seconds at a time via centrifuge drop tower or for 20 seconds onboard a parabolic flight,” Blue Origin said.
