Blue Origin rolls out New Glenn simulator for TEIGT tests

Blue Origin has rolled out the New Glenn vehicle simulator for a series of transport erector-integrated ground tests (TEIGT). The launch comes as the company prepares to liftoff this heavy rocket later this year.

Blue Origin said these tests include powering up pumps to provide pressure to the vehicle’s hydraulic system. It will validate the ground system supplying commodities to the rocket and retract the test of the umbilical connections.

TEIGT consists transport vehicle that is used to move from the assembly line to the launch pad using a specialized transport vehicle. Then the erector uplifts the vehicle on the launch pad.

It will test all of the ground systems used during the launch including the launch pad, fueling systems, and electronics. All tests are designed to be performed on the ground without a real liftoff.

Blue Origin rolling out New Glenn simulator for TEIGT tests (Image Source – Blue Origin)

During the TEIGHT, the launch team and engineers will verify the vehicle’s health and erector process. Eventually, the company will simulate a launch countdown to check and resolve any potential issues.

In February, Blue Origin rolled out New Glenn at the launch pad at Launch Complex 36 for pre-launch tests. This was the first time, the space rocket company shared visuals of the New Gleen to the public.

These pre-launch tests enabled the team to practice, validate, and increase proficiency in vehicle integration, transport, ground support, and launch operations. It didn’t fire the engines, which were (at that time) tested on a separate site.

Blue Origin New Glenn Launch Vehicle at Launch Complex 36 (LC-36) (Credit: Blue Origin)

Over the next few weeks, New Glenn remained vertical on the pad and demonstrated cryogenic fluid loading, pressure control, and venting systems. Blue Origin also completed the launch pad and ground systems and activated them for the first time during this series of tests.

Compared to New Shepard, New Glenn brings increased payload capacity but a launch test is still awaited.