Blue Origin's New Shepard successfully flies eight NASA research and technology payloads to space

VAN HORN, Texas - On January 23, Blue Origin successfully launched eight NASA research and technology payloads into space. The reusable New Shepard rocket's mission lasted just over 10 minutes and culiminated in a successful touchdown at Blue Origin's west Texas facility.

"Absolutely spectacular flight!" Blue Origin's Ariane Cornell, director of astronaut and orbital sales, said in live commetnary as New Shepard landed successfully. "That, everybody, is a reusable rocket."

"At NASA, technology drives exploration," said the aerospace agency's chief, Jim Bridenstine said. "These NASA-supported experiments will help advance in-space propulsion technologies habitation systems, science instruments and other capabilities crucial for exploration. Like the researchers, I'm excited to learn the results from this very important flight."

The launch marked the tenth overall in the New Shepard program, and was the fourth successful launch and touchdown for the rocket used.

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