# Blue Ring Pathfinder

> test article launched aboard the New Glenn NG-1 spaceflight

**Wikidata**: [Q131826169](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131826169)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/blue-ring-pathfinder

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Blue Ring Pathfinder**:

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## Summary  
Blue Ring Pathfinder is a test article launched aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn NG-1 rocket, marking the inaugural flight of the New Glenn launch vehicle. It serves as a demonstration payload for the Blue Ring space tug and satellite platform. The mission successfully reached medium Earth orbit on January 16, 2025.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** January 16, 2025, at 07:03 UTC  
- **Launch Vehicle:** New Glenn NG-1 (first flight of New Glenn)  
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36  
- **Operator:** Blue Origin  
- **Orbit:** Medium Earth orbit (periapsis: 2,426 km, apoapsis: 19,250 km, inclination: 29.9874°)  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2025-011A  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 62720  
- **Parent Astronomical Body:** Earth  
- **Country of Origin:** United States  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the purpose of Blue Ring Pathfinder?  
A: It is a test article designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the Blue Ring space tug and satellite platform during the inaugural launch of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket.  

### Q: When did Blue Ring Pathfinder launch?  
A: It launched on January 16, 2025, at 07:03 UTC from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36.  

### Q: What orbit did Blue Ring Pathfinder achieve?  
A: It reached a medium Earth orbit with a periapsis of 2,426 km, an apoapsis of 19,250 km, and an inclination of 29.9874°.  

## Why It Matters  
Blue Ring Pathfinder represents a significant milestone for Blue Origin as the first successful orbital launch of its New Glenn rocket, positioning the company as a competitive player in the heavy-lift launch market. The mission also validates the Blue Ring platform, a versatile space tug designed for satellite servicing and orbital logistics. By demonstrating these capabilities, Blue Origin aims to support future commercial and government missions, including deep-space exploration and satellite deployments. The success of this launch underscores the growing role of private aerospace companies in advancing space technology.  

## Notable For  
- First payload launched aboard New Glenn's inaugural flight (NG-1).  
- Demonstrates the Blue Ring space tug platform's potential for satellite servicing.  
- Achieved a precise medium Earth orbit with documented orbital parameters.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Vehicle:** New Glenn NG-1 (first flight)  
- **Date & Time:** January 16, 2025, 07:03 UTC  
- **Site:** Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36  
- **Operator:** Blue Origin  

### Orbital Parameters (as of January 17, 2025)  
- **Periapsis:** 2,426 km  
- **Apoapsis:** 19,250 km  
- **Inclination:** 29.9874°  
- **Eccentricity:** 0.4886243  

### Mission Significance  
- Validated New Glenn's launch capabilities.  
- Served as a testbed for the Blue Ring platform's future applications in satellite deployment and orbital logistics.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Space-Track
2. [New Glenn reaches orbit on first launch. SpaceNews. 2025](https://spacenews.com/new-glenn-reaches-orbit-on-first-launch/)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [History made: Blue Origin becomes first new space company to reach orbit on its first launch – Spaceflight Now](https://spaceflightnow.com/2025/01/15/live-coverage-blue-origin-to-launch-blue-ring-pathfinder-on-new-glenn-rocket-inaugural-launch-from-cape-canaveral/)
5. [Source](https://heavens-above.com/orbit.aspx?satid=62720)