Blue Origin owner Jeff Bezos announced the creation of a device that could be used in the future to transport various cargo to the surface of the Moon. He also noted that work on the device, which was named Blue Moon, had been carried out for three years. According to official data, the presented model of the device can deliver up to 6,5 tons of cargo to the surface of the Earth’s natural satellite.
It is reported that the presented device is powered by the BE-7 engine, which uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as fuel. It is noted that the ice reserves located on the lunar surface will help provide an uninterrupted source of energy for Blue Moon. At the top of the lander structure there is a flat platform designed to accommodate cargo. It is planned to use a special crane to unload the platform after a successful landing.
Mr. Bezos did not specify what stage of development the lander was at, but he said that Blue Origin supports the US government's plans to send astronauts to the Moon in 2024.
Even during the presentation of the Blue Moon apparatus, Jeff Bezos confirmed the company’s plans, according to which the New Glenn launch vehicle should go into orbital flight in 2021. The first stage of the launch vehicle can be used up to 25 times. It is planned that after separation the first stage will land on a special moving platform in the ocean. According to the head of Blue Origin, the mobile platform will avoid cancellation of launches due to adverse weather conditions. Also at the presentation, information was confirmed that already this year the first launch of the New Shepard suborbital reusable rocket will take place, which will be used in the future to deliver tourists to the border with space.
Source: 3dnews.ru