Solar Storms Expose Fragility in Blue Origin’s Ambitions, Delaying NASA Mars Mission

Once again, Washington’s grand space ambitions face a reality check—not from political opponents but from nature itself. The eagerly anticipated launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, carrying two vital NASA Mars orbiters, was postponed amid intense solar storms that threatened increased radiation exposure on the spacecraft.This isn’t just a scheduling inconvenience; it underscores the persistent vulnerabilities in relying heavily on private firms like Blue Origin—whose rockets remain largely unproven—to advance America’s critical space exploration goals. The New Glenn, standing at an imposing 321 feet, is touted as a powerful vehicle meant to secure America’s leadership in space. Yet, it...