Matthew Nelson
Blue Origin conducted an initial test in Washington for an engine that was developed for the Blue Moon lunar landing vehicle, SpaceNews reported Thursday.
The BE-7 engine utilizes liquid hydrogen and oxygen fuels to produce 10K pounds of thrust. It will also enable Blue Moon to use lunar resources that are convertible to oxygen and hydrogen.
The engine was hot fired for 35 seconds and met test expectations, according to a tweet by Blue Origin CEO Jeff Bezos.
Blue Origin has collaborated with NASA to help bring humans to the moon's surface through research and development efforts for transfer vessels and lunar lander descent stages. The firm also intends to submit proposals for integrated lunar lander platforms.
Blue Moon can hold 3.6 metric tons in cargo while its stretch tank variant can carry up to 6.5 metric tons. The lander can also support crewed missions through the use of an ascent stage.
