On November 11–12, 2025, a major solar storm initiated by intense solar activity disrupted plans for the joint space-mission of NASA and Blue Origin. The New Glenn rocket, the large heavy-lift vehicle developed by Blue Origin, was scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida with the ESCAPADE Mars probes aboard. Live Science+3Space+3AP News+3
However, just five hours before the scheduled liftoff, NASA made the decision to scrub the launch due to “highly elevated solar activity” and the associated radiation risk to the spacecraft and instruments. spaceflightnow.com+1
This solar event is part of a geomagnetic storm that also generated rare auroras across multiple U.S. states. The postponement underscores how space weather remains a significant hazard for high-value missions—despite advances in planning and forecasting. ABC News
Blue Origin and NASA have not yet announced a replacement launch date. The second flight of the New Glenn rocket, if successful, would mark a major milestone for the company and for heavy-lift access to Mars. Meanwhile, analysts note that schedule slippages due to space weather may become more frequent as solar maximum approaches and as more complex missions are planned.
Key takeaways:
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Space weather remains a critical risk for launch windows.
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Heavy-lift rockets like New Glenn are still early in their operational cadence.
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Mission delays can cascade into cost, scheduling, and partner implications.
For readers: stay tuned for updated launch revisions and potential impacts to Mars mission timelines.