The NS-27 mission will introduce Blue Origin's second human-rated New Shepard vehicle, expanding its capacity to meet increasing customer demand. While this launch will be uncrewed, it is a key step in verifying the performance of the upgraded spacecraft. The new crew capsule, named RSS Karman Line, features several enhancements designed to boost performance and reusability. These include technology upgrades, an updated design, and expanded payload accommodations on the booster.
Nearly 99% of New Shepard's dry mass is reused, with components such as the booster, capsule, engine, landing gear, and parachutes all built for multiple missions, maintaining the rocket's reputation as one of the most sustainable spacecraft in operation.
The NS-27 mission will carry 12 payloads: five on the booster and seven within the crew capsule. These payloads include cutting-edge navigation systems for both New Shepard and New Glenn, two LIDAR sensors developed for Blue Origin's Lunar Permanence program, and ultra-wideband proximity sensors funded by NASA TechFlights. Among the commercial payloads is a set of black monoliths, paying homage to *2001: A Space Odyssey,* flying in collaboration with Spacemanic and Croatian publisher Amaranthine Books.
Additionally, the mission will carry tens of thousands of postcards created by students, submitted through Blue Origin's nonprofit, Club for the Future. This STEAM-focused organization, founded in 2019, aims to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. So far, the organization has reached more than 43 million students globally.
Related Links
Blue Origin
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com
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