U.S, Nov 14 : U.S. space technology company Blue Origin successfully launched its massive, reusable New Glenn rocket on Thursday, carrying NASA’s ESCAPADE twin spacecraft destined for Mars. The rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 3:55 p.m. ET.
About three minutes after liftoff, Blue Origin confirmed main engine cutoff and stage separation. The company later said that New Glenn’s second stage and payload were continuing their planned trajectory toward Mars.
During the booster’s return, its three central BE-4 engines reignited to slow the vehicle for landing. The first-stage booster then touched down successfully on a recovery platform stationed several hundred miles out in the Atlantic Ocean.
“New Glenn returns to its blue origin,” the company posted on X.
This mission marked New Glenn’s second flight and the first-ever successful booster recovery, a significant milestone for Blue Origin’s heavy-lift ambitions.
NASA later confirmed that the ESCAPADE spacecraft had separated from the second stage as planned. The twin probes will enter a kidney-shaped Earth-proximity orbit for about a year before performing a trans-Mars injection burn in November 2026. They are expected to arrive at Mars in September 2027, with scientific operations scheduled to begin in spring 2028.
ESCAPADE is NASA’s first coordinated multi-spacecraft orbital mission studying the Martian magnetosphere. Along with the scientific payload, New Glenn also carried a technology demonstration from U.S. communications firm Viasat for NASA’s Communications Services Project.
Enhanced Security for Sabarimala Pilgrimage
Meanwhile, Kerala Police have finalized extensive security arrangements ahead of the Sabarimala Mandala–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. Commandos will be deployed at key locations, with Nilakkal functioning as the main parking hub. Unauthorized parking will be strictly prohibited as authorities increase CCTV coverage and sanitation facilities.
At Pampa, lifeguards, barricades, and safety infrastructure have been strengthened along the riverbank. Crowd-control measures at queue complexes have been upgraded, and newly built German sheds can accommodate up to 4,000 pilgrims.
A Special Anti-Theft Squad will operate to prevent pickpocketing, illegal trade, and other anti-social activities, supported by AI-enabled CCTV systems to identify habitual offenders. A mobile application developed by Pampa Police will verify the identity of dolly workers and temporary staff.
A dedicated emergency lane will be maintained for ambulances, while a 24×7 Integrated Control Room at Pampa will coordinate police, district administration, fire services, health, water resources, irrigation, the Devaswom Board, and KSRTC.
State Police Chief Revada Chandrashekhar reviewed the final preparations at Nilakkal ahead of the pilgrimage.