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Blue Origin expects the MK1 lunar landing mission in Q1 2027, after the New Glenn pad explosion
Blue Origin's first Blue Moon MK1 lander, Endurance, slipped from late summer 2026 to the first quarter of 2027, because it can only fly once New Glenn returns to flight after the May 28 static-fire explosion. The rocket's grounding also holds up Amazon Leo and AST SpaceMobile launches.
- The explosion was traced to the main oxygen valve on one of New Glenn's seven BE-4 engines; a retrofit valve fix is in production.
- Blue Origin aims to fly New Glenn again before the end of 2026, which the Q1 2027 lander date depends on.
- AST SpaceMobile planned to carry eight BlueBird Block 2 satellites per New Glenn flight; Amazon Leo relies on it for high-capacity launches.
- MK1 is an uncrewed cargo lander and a precursor to the crewed Blue Moon NASA plans to use from 2028.