Blue Origin's New Glenn Engine Issue and ISS Spacewalk Progress

Friday, 7 August 2026 · 2 min read · By Orbital Radar Newsroom

NASA's ESCAPADE mission launching on Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, showcasing collaboration in space exploration.

Image: NASA/KSC

Quick answer · as of 7 Aug 2026

Blue Origin identifies engine issue in New Glenn explosion while NASA astronauts advance ISS solar array upgrade.

Blue Origin has identified the cause of the engine issue that led to the New Glenn explosion, a significant step in resuming development of their heavy-lift launch vehicle. The company stated that the anomaly was traced to a faulty component in the BE-4 engine, which is also intended for ULA's Vulcan Centaur rocket. This development is critical as New Glenn is a key player in Blue Origin's plans for commercial and governmental missions.

ISS Spacewalk Advances Solar Array Upgrade

Technician inspects Space Shuttle Atlantis wing attachment points, preparing for STS-114 mission to the International Space Station. — KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), a United Space Alliance technician examines the attachment points for the spars on the exterior of a wing of Space Shuttle Atlant · Image: NASA/KSC

NASA astronauts conducted a 6.5-hour spacewalk to prepare the International Space Station (ISS) for an upcoming solar array upgrade. The operation involved installing mounting brackets and routing cables for new solar panels, which will enhance the station's power generation capabilities. This is part of a broader effort to ensure the ISS remains operational through the end of the decade. For those interested in tracking the ISS, visible passes can be checked on the Orbital Radar pass predictor.

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What to Watch

Partial solar eclipse over New Orleans with 85% coverage, under overcast skies, on April 8, 2024. — Under mostly overcast skies, the Moon passes in front of the Sun as a partial solar eclipse approaches 85% in New Orleans, home of NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility, on Monday, April 8, 2024. A total s · Image: NASA/MSFC

On 12 August, a total solar eclipse will be visible across parts of the Eastern Hemisphere. While clear skies offer the best view, partial visibility is possible even with some cloud cover, according to experts. Additionally, the Milky Way Mapper survey has released its latest all-sky spectra, offering new insights into our galaxy's structure. No launches are scheduled for the immediate future, but the Orbital Radar launch schedule remains updated for upcoming missions.

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