“NASA head urges new launcher for Blue Origin’s moon landers to meet Artemis mission deadlines” [Space Flight Now].
The New Glenn static fire anomaly triggered what was “the largest explosion” seen at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station….
Well done, all!
…. according to Col. Brian Chatman, the commander of Space Launch Delta 45, which encompasses Cape Canaveral and Patrick Space Force Base. Chatman and officials with Blue Origin confirmed the night of the explosion that there were no injuries or fatalities as a result of the blast.
But:
The Blue Moon landers were tailored to fit within the seven-meter diameter fairing of a New Glenn rocket. The Falcon Heavy payload fairing has a diameter of 5.2 meters and although the company has developed a taller version, it has not revealed any wider options. Additionally, SpaceX’s launch pads are not equipped to service a hydrogen-fueled lander like Blue Moon.
I don’t know if interchangeable standards — monopolists hate them — were even possible, but it was certainly worth a thought. I wonder if NASA’s “partners” even suggested it?
Anyhow, Bezos and Musk are both squillionaires. The rockets of our potentially immortal overlords shouldn’t be exploding.
NOTE
Also, “static fire anomaly” is good. Almost as good as “rapid unschedulted disassembly.”