Could New Glenn Carry the Orion Capsule Instead of the SLS?

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New Glenn Overview

The Orion spacecraft, developed by NASA, is a critical component of the Artemis program, designed to transport astronauts to the Moon and potentially beyond. Currently, the Space Launch System (SLS) is the launch vehicle tasked with carrying Orion on its lunar missions. However, the SLS program has faced challenges, including high costs and extended development timelines, sparking discussions about alternative launch vehicles. One of the most prominent contenders for this role is Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. This article evaluates the feasibility of New Glenn carrying the Orion spacecraft, considering technical, logistical, and programmatic aspects.

New Glenn is a heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by Blue Origin. Named after astronaut John Glenn, the rocket is designed to cater to commercial, scientific, and government payloads. New Glenn features a reusable first stage and a payload capacity that places it among the most capable rockets currently being developed.

Key characteristics of New Glenn include:

• First Stage: A reusable booster powered by seven BE-4 engines, generating approximately 3.85 million pounds of thrust.
• Second Stage: An expendable upper stage with a BE-3U vacuum engine optimized for orbital insertion.
• Payload Capacity: Estimated to be over 45 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO) and approximately 13 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).
• Launch Pad: The vehicle is set to launch from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

New Glenn’s design emphasizes reusability and high payload capacity, making it an attractive candidate for missions requiring heavy payloads, such as lunar exploration.

Orion Spacecraft and Its Requirements

The Orion spacecraft is a sophisticated vehicle designed for deep-space missions. Its primary components include:

1. Crew Module: Accommodates up to four astronauts and supports them during extended missions.
2. Service Module: Provides propulsion, power, and life support systems. The European Space Agency (ESA) supplies the service module for Artemis missions.
3. Launch Abort System (LAS): Ensures crew safety in the event of a launch anomaly.

The combined weight of Orion, including its LAS and service module, is approximately 26 tons. Additionally, Orion requires a specific trajectory and sufficient thrust to escape Earth’s gravity and travel to the Moon. Meeting these requirements is a significant challenge for any launch vehicle.

Comparing New Glenn and SLS Capabilities

Payload Capacity

The SLS Block 1 configuration, which is currently operational, is capable of delivering up to 95 metric tons to LEO and around 27 metric tons to trans-lunar injection (TLI). Future upgrades, such as Block 1B and Block 2, are expected to increase this capacity further.

In contrast, New Glenn’s estimated payload capacity to TLI is less than 20 metric tons. While sufficient for smaller lunar missions, it falls short of the capability needed to directly launch the Orion spacecraft and its associated payloads in a single mission. To compensate for this, New Glenn would require the use of additional systems, such as in-orbit refueling or modular stages.

Launch Abort System Integration

Orion’s Launch Abort System is tailored for the SLS, which features a significantly wider diameter than New Glenn. Integrating Orion with New Glenn would necessitate extensive modifications to both the spacecraft and the rocket’s payload fairing. These modifications could introduce engineering complexities and additional costs.

Reusability and Cost Efficiency

One of New Glenn’s primary advantages over the SLS is its reusable first stage. This feature has the potential to significantly reduce launch costs over time. The SLS, on the other hand, is an expendable rocket, with each launch costing an estimated $2 billion. If New Glenn can meet the technical requirements for carrying Orion, its cost efficiency could be a compelling argument for its adoption.

Technical Challenges and Modifications

Payload Fairing and Diameter

New Glenn’s payload fairing is narrower than the SLS core stage, creating challenges for accommodating Orion’s dimensions. Custom modifications to the fairing and support structures would be necessary to ensure a secure fit. These changes might involve strengthening the fairing to support Orion’s weight and adjusting the aerodynamics to maintain stability during ascent.

Trajectory and Staging

The SLS is specifically designed to deliver Orion directly to a trans-lunar trajectory. New Glenn, with its lower payload capacity to TLI, might require a different mission profile. This could involve launching Orion and its service module into LEO, followed by an additional stage or spacecraft to propel the payload to the Moon. While technically feasible, this approach introduces complexity and potential risks.

Infrastructure Requirements

New Glenn is set to launch from Launch Complex 36, which is configured for the rocket’s specifications. Modifications to ground infrastructure, such as fueling systems and integration facilities, would likely be required to support Orion. These upgrades could increase development time and costs.

Programmatic Considerations

Certification and Testing

For New Glenn to carry Orion, it would need to undergo extensive certification and testing. NASA has stringent requirements for crewed missions, particularly those involving deep-space exploration. The process would include:

• Structural and aerodynamic testing to ensure compatibility with Orion.
• Validation of safety systems, including the Launch Abort System.
• Demonstration of reliability through multiple test flights.

Given that New Glenn has not yet completed its maiden flight, achieving the necessary certifications would take significant time and resources.

Timeline and Artemis Program Goals

The Artemis program has ambitious goals, including returning astronauts to the Moon in the coming years. While the SLS is operational, New Glenn is still in development, with its first flight anticipated in the near future. Delays in New Glenn’s timeline could jeopardize Artemis milestones, making it a less viable option in the short term.

Partnerships and Policy

Blue Origin’s involvement in NASA programs, such as the lunar lander for Artemis, indicates a strong partnership. However, transitioning from SLS to New Glenn as the primary launch vehicle for Orion would require extensive coordination between NASA and Blue Origin. Policy decisions and funding allocations would play a critical role in determining the feasibility of such a transition.

Potential Benefits of Using New Glenn

1. Cost Savings: The reusability of New Glenn’s first stage could lead to significant reductions in launch costs over time, freeing up resources for other aspects of the Artemis program.
2. Flexibility: Adopting New Glenn could diversify NASA’s launch capabilities, reducing dependence on a single vehicle.
3. Commercial Collaboration: Utilizing New Glenn aligns with NASA’s broader strategy of fostering commercial partnerships in space exploration.

Summary

While New Glenn presents a promising alternative to the Space Launch System for carrying the Orion spacecraft, significant challenges remain. Its payload capacity to trans-lunar injection is insufficient for a direct launch of Orion, necessitating additional systems and mission complexity. Technical modifications, certification processes, and alignment with Artemis timelines further complicate the feasibility of using New Glenn in place of SLS.

However, New Glenn’s reusability and potential cost efficiency make it an attractive candidate for future exploration efforts. As the Artemis program evolves, continued advancements in commercial launch vehicles like New Glenn may open new possibilities for collaboration and innovation in space exploration.

Last update on 2025-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API