Launch Blue Origin New Shepard 12 - Dec 11, 2019 **Updated**

[WesL]

The 12th Blue Origin launch of the New Shepard rocket is scheduled for today. Their original launch window of 8:30am central has been updated due to 10:30am due weather constraints at their Van Horn, West Texas launch facility.

Live stream is below

 

[WesL]

Today's launch is scrubbed due to weather. Looks like they will try again tomorrow.

 

[WesL]

Looks like they have some fog at the Van Horn, TX launch site. They hare pushing out their launch time a bit more.

 

[WesL]

Still dealing with fog so they have pushed out the time again by another hour. Targeting a noon (central) launch. You may wonder why fog would be an issue. There are two separate reasons according to a friend in the know, first these are still test missions so they want to collect as much video as possible. Naturally fog will hinder that process. The second reason is a bit more important... the first stage uses LIDAR to land back at the launch site. Naturally fog particles will play havoc with that, think of having your highbeams on in fog. It is important to remember this launch will have no items left in orbit (capsule or satellite) so the launch team isn't constrained by having to launch a precise time to reach a particular orbital parking spot or meet up with the International Space Station. With that in mind they have to time to wait out the weather issues.

 

[WesL]

Good launch and waiting for the booster to land.

 

[WesL]

Great launch and it is always a good launch day when all your parts come home intact. The booster returned without issue and the capsule touched down shortly after.