Space Weather Grounds Blue Origin’s New Glenn — NASA’s ESCAPADE Mars Launch Delayed

Launch delayed by elevated solar activity

A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket that was scheduled to carry NASA’s ESCAPADE mission to Mars was held on the pad today after mission managers postponed the launch because of space weather. Officials cited elevated solar activity and concerns that increased fluxes of charged particles could affect the spacecraft’s electronics and expose sensitive systems to radiation.

The geomagnetic storms that prompted the scrub also produced a rare auroral display overnight, with the Northern Lights visible as far south as Central Florida.

"The Sun is always active and dynamic, constantly releasing charged particles that can expose spacecraft — or astronauts — to significant radiation," said Dr. Don Platt of Florida Tech.

ESCAPADE is an uncrewed mission consisting of a pair of small satellites bound for Mars. The spacecraft will study the planet’s magnetic field and how it interacts with space weather, helping scientists better predict radiation environments and protect future human and robotic missions.

Platt said that when teams have flexibility in the launch window, it makes sense to wait: "If we have an extra couple of days in the launch window, there’s no reason to subject the spacecraft to more risk than necessary." Mission managers will continue to monitor solar and geomagnetic conditions and announce a new launch date once it is safe to proceed.