Blue Origin Scrubs NG-2 Launch Attempt Due to Weather Issues

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — Blue Origin canceled its planned launch of the New Glenn rocket on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, due to poor weather conditions. The rocket was set to deliver NASA’s Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission to Mars. The mission aims to study Mars’ magnetosphere and the effects of solar wind on the planet.

The launch attempt was originally scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET but was delayed multiple times throughout the day. Ultimately, Blue Origin called off the launch just minutes before the window closed at 4:13 p.m. ET. The company cited cumulus clouds and other weather concerns as the primary reasons for the scrub.

“Today’s NG-2 launch is scrubbed due to weather, specifically the cumulus cloud rule,” Blue Origin announced shortly after the decision was made. The launch team had also been dealing with a technical issue involving ground support equipment at the pad prior to the launch.

The next attempt for the NG-2 mission is set for Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 2:50 p.m. ET to 4:17 p.m. ET. Blue Origin has been working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration to secure this new launch date.

The previous forecast from the 45th Weather Squadron indicated a 65% chance of favorable weather, which had decreased to 55% as the launch window approached. Blue Origin has indicated that any attempt to launch will depend on both weather conditions and the status of the ground support equipment.

In the first phase of the mission, two satellites, nicknamed Blue and Gold, will be deployed into orbit to conduct scientific investigations on Mars. The ESCAPADE project aims to help scientists understand how solar wind affects the Martian atmosphere, which could provide critical insights as humanity plans for future missions to Mars.

The payload also includes technology from Viasat that aims to improve communication between Earth and space. “Our number one objective is to deliver ESCAPADE safely and successfully,” said Laura Maginnis, vice president of New Glenn mission management at Blue Origin.

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is designed to be reusable and is powered by seven BE-4 engines. This mission follows the rocket’s inaugural flight, which occurred in January 2025. Although the first stage of the rocket failed to land successfully on that occasion, the upper stage successfully deployed its payload into orbit.

As the team prepares for the next launch attempt, Blue Origin reiterated its commitment to developing a reliable and capable launch vehicle capable of supporting a variety of customer missions.