Blue Origin postponed the New Glenn launch after a powerful geomagnetic storm raised concerns about damage to satellites and electronic systems. The company had planned to test a reusable booster while supporting two NASA spacecraft bound for Mars. The storm produced auroras as far south as Florida and recalled the 2022 loss of several Starlink satellites. Cape Canaveral set a new annual launch record yesterday, with six weeks left in 2025.
Powerful Solar Storm Forces Blue Origin to Delay New Glenn Launch — Raises Satellite Risk Concerns
Blue Origin postponed the New Glenn launch after a powerful geomagnetic storm raised concerns about damage to satellites and electronic systems. The company had planned to test a reusable booster while supporting two NASA spacecraft bound for Mars. The storm produced auroras as far south as Florida and recalled the 2022 loss of several Starlink satellites. Cape Canaveral set a new annual launch record yesterday, with six weeks left in 2025.
09:51 PM, 11/13/2025Science
Solar storm delays Blue Origin's New Glenn launch
A powerful solar (geomagnetic) storm prompted Blue Origin to postpone the planned New Glenn launch, interrupting a test of the rocket's reusable booster and delaying a mission that would help two NASA spacecraft on their way to Mars.
The storm's effects were visible on Earth: dazzling auroras were reported as far south as Florida, and the event renewed concerns about space weather’s potential to damage satellites and ground-based electronics. In 2022, a severe geomagnetic event contributed to the loss of multiple Starlink satellites, underscoring the real-world consequences of such disturbances.
Space weather remains an ongoing hazard for the space industry—similar to how severe storms once imperilled ocean shipping routes. Agencies and companies routinely weigh these risks against mission priorities and safety protocols when deciding whether to proceed with launches.
Despite the delay, operations at the Cape continue to be busy: Cape Canaveral set a new record for the most launches in a single year yesterday, with six weeks still remaining in 2025.
What to watch next: Blue Origin will monitor space-weather forecasts and coordinate with partners before setting a new launch date. Engineers will also assess any operational impacts from the geomagnetic event to ensure vehicle and payload safety.