‘Jeff Bezos has built a moon’: How Blue Origin created lunar gravity without leaving Earth
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Simulated Moon
NASA experienced a brief but crucial test of lunar gravity, as Blue Origin successfully mimicked the moon’s pull without leaving Earth’s atmosphere.
Credit : Blue Origin
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Spin Effect
The capsule achieved artificial lunar gravity by spinning 11 times per minute, creating conditions similar to the moon’s one-sixth gravity for two minutes.
Credit : Blue Origin
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NASA’s Plan
By testing equipment in controlled spaceflights, NASA aims to eliminate potential failures before sending astronauts and technology to the moon.
Credit : Blue Origin
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Dust Defense
One key experiment focused on preventing lunar dust from sticking to spacesuits and tools, a major challenge for future moonwalkers.
Credit : Blue Origin
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Mars Potential
Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp noted that refining this technique could eventually simulate Mars’ gravity, revolutionizing planetary research.
Credit : Blue Origin
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Swift Return
After its brief mission, the New Shepard capsule parachuted safely back to the Texas desert, ensuring the experiments remained intact for analysis.
Credit : Blue Origin
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Reusable Tech
New Shepard, designed for rapid reusability, alternates between carrying passengers and scientific payloads, expanding private spaceflight capabilities.
Credit : Blue Origin
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Bigger Ambitions
Blue Origin’s much larger New Glenn rocket recently launched from Cape Canaveral, signaling the company’s entry into deep-space missions.
Next Frontier
With cost-effective lunar simulations now possible, NASA and private space firms can refine technologies for future moon and Mars exploration.