SpaceX Rival Successfully Launches 3D-Printed Rocket Into Near-Space
Private space company Blue Origin not only shocked the world, but had shocked themselves when their New Shepard rocket booster successfully launched into suborbital space and then came back down for a vertical landing. According to Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, they were expecting the booster to blow up due to the forces being administered in the crew capsule escape system test.
This was the fifth and final test for the rocket booster New Shepard. And since it was able to survive this final test, it will be celebrating its retirement and be preserved somewhere at a museum. You did good, New Shepard. Thank you for your service and enjoy your retirement.
Photo Credit: Blue Origin
That is one hell of a booster. #InFlightEscape #GradatimFerociter https://t.co/7ZRRe2HnMO
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) October 5, 2016