Blue Origin, based in Kent, Washington, made the announcement on Friday, citing a strategic shift to support the goal of returning astronauts to the Moon and establishing a sustainable human presence there. The New Shepard rocket, known for its reusability and successful suborbital flights, has been a flagship product for Blue Origin since its debut in 2015.
Having completed 38 flights and carried 98 individuals into space, including Blue Origin’s founder Jeff Bezos, the New Shepard has also launched over 200 research payloads for various customers, including NASA and academic institutions. Despite its successful track record and a strong customer demand, Blue Origin is now prioritizing its efforts to support NASA’s Artemis program.
As a key contractor for Artemis, Blue Origin is actively involved in the development of the Blue Moon lunar lander, which includes a version specifically designed for crewed missions to the Moon. The company’s decision to pause New Shepard flights underscores its commitment to advancing human exploration beyond Earth’s orbit.
