Blue Origin’s third New Glenn rocket launched on April 19, 2026, at 13:25 Italian time from Cape Canaveral’s Launch Complex 36 for the NG-3 mission, carrying AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 7 satellite. Unfortunately, the launch failed due to an issue with the second stage, which Blue Origin has not yet specified.
AST Space Mobile confirmed the failure in a statement released around 20:00 Italian time on April 19. The satellite separated correctly from the second stage, and the company managed to ignite it and establish communication. However, it was not in the correct orbit, likely due to a problem before the second stage’s second burn. The initial ignition, based on live launch coverage and independent observational data, appeared to be successful.
The first stage, named “Never Tell Me the Odds” and previously used and recovered successfully during the November 13, 2025, launch, returned and performed a controlled landing on the Jacklyn platform in the Atlantic Ocean. This marks the second successful recovery for the same booster, a feat previously achieved only by SpaceX with its Falcon 9.
The first stage used in this mission had undergone modifications and technical updates compared to its previous flight. All of its BE-4 engines were new, not the ones from the prior mission. Blue Origin has announced, however, that it will reuse the engines recovered from the NG-2 mission at a later date.
The Return of the “Never Tell Me the Odds” Booster
The first stage employed in this mission had already flown on New Glenn’s second launch. Before returning to service, it was upgraded: Blue Origin replaced all seven engines and implemented several modifications, including tests on new thermal protection systems.
As on the previous occasion, the booster returned to a sea-based platform. This method allows for the recovery and subsequent reuse of the booster in future launches.
The company aims to reuse each first stage multiple times, with the goal of achieving up to 25 missions per booster. In the coming years, the intention is also to reduce the turnaround time between flights. According to plans, the same booster could fly again after approximately one month.
BlueBird 7 and AST SpaceMobile’s Satellite Network
Onboard New Glenn was BlueBird 7, a next-generation satellite developed by AST SpaceMobile. Its objective is to provide data connectivity directly to smartphones, eliminating the need for ground-based antennas.
The satellite was equipped with a large deployable antenna and solar panels. Its dimensions are significantly larger than traditional low-Earth orbit telecommunications satellites. BlueBird 7 is part of a larger constellation. The company plans to launch between 45 and 60 satellites by 2026 to begin offering its service by the end of that year. This Blue Bird, however, was the first attempting to reach orbit in 2026.
AST has stated that the full cost of the satellite will be covered by insurance, as is standard practice for any failed space launch. The loss of this Blue Bird, however, represents a significant setback for the company and will realistically slow down its constellation deployment plans. According to their statements, another three satellites, Blue Bird 8 through 10, will be ready for launch within the next 30 days.
