
Pad: Launch Complex 36A · Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
The first mission of Blue Ring, Blue Origin's all-in-one, high-powered hybrid solar electric and chemical propelled spacecraft, will test the spacecraft's operations in Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), as well as subsequent operations after reaching Geostationary Orbit (GEO). It will carry one of Scout Space's flagship next-generation space domain awareness (SDA) Owl sensors, which is designed to enhance real-time tracking, characterization, and assessment of space objects by integrating advanced optical sensing, onboard artificial intelligence-driven processing, and autonomous decision-making capabilities to deliver domain-wide intelligence in space in support of the U.S. Space Force’s space control mission set. Blue Ring will also carry Optimum Technologies (OpTech)'s next-generation Caracal optical payload, which is designed to provide actionable insights on resident space objects and orbital activity and includes onboard image storage, object detection algorithms, and passive thermal control. The payload is designed to operate flexibly across dynamic orbits over a year-long mission profile. Several internal Blue Origin payloads will also be hosted.

New Glenn Orbital Rocket Liftoff
Photo: U.S. Space Force / Blue Origin
Receive an email alert 1 hour prior to liftoff with live webcast links.
Live broadcast embeds typically go live 15 to 20 minutes prior to launch window liftoff. Check the official Blue Origin channels or Spaceflight Now for live feeds.
Autonomous launch sequence start
Flight computer assumes control
Stage 1 main engine ignition & liftoff
Main engine cut-off and stage separation
Booster touchdown on recovery vessel / zone
Spacecraft insertion into target orbit
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station · Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA

United Launch Alliance Space Launch Complex 41 with four 100-meter catenary lightning suppression masts.
Photo Credit: NASA / Kim ShiflettSLC-41 is ULA's primary East Coast heavy launch facility. The pad was the departure point for historic NASA planetary missions including New Horizons to Pluto, the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers, and the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return.