From New Shepard to New Glenn: mu Space Corp’s Groundbreaking Journey in Space Exploration and Technological Innovation
mu Space Corp is a startup from Thailand with the goal of innovating in the space industry. The journey from using the New Shepard showcases the progress of mu Space Corp in space exploration. Experiences from various missions can be followed on the company’s website at muspacecorp.com/space-missions/.
From New Shepard
- Mission NS-9 in July 2018: mu Space sent experimental devices to test material behavior in microgravity, including experiments with medical devices, carbon nanotubes, and food products in vacuum conditions.
- Missions NS-11 and NS-12 in 2019: Continuous testing to enhance knowledge about material functions in microgravity, particularly with sensors for detecting motion, temperature, pressure, and humidity.
- Mission NS-13 in 2020: Collaboration with TOT Public Company Limited to send numerous electronic devices and sensors for testing in space, presenting more challenges in terms of size and complexity of the equipment.
To New Glenn
- Size and Capacity: New Glenn is a large rocket capable of sending payloads up to 45 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 13 tons to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), a feature that makes it competitive with other large rockets in the satellite launch market.
- Reusability: The first stage of New Glenn is designed to be reusable, which adds flexibility to operations.
- BE-4 Engine: New Glenn uses the BE-4 engine in its first stage, which uses liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas for fuel, providing thrust up to 3.85 million pounds at sea level and is developed for high efficiency.
- Successful Testing: The inaugural test of New Glenn in January 2025 was successful in sending the second stage into orbit, demonstrating the rocket’s readiness and reliability for real missions.
The collaboration between mu Space Corp and Blue Origin opens up numerous opportunities for the future. With the capabilities of New Glenn to send large payloads into space, mu Space can expand the scope of its missions to include launching large satellites or even planetary exploration missions. Working together will help mu Space learn and develop new technologies while also opening new markets for satellite services in Southeast Asia.
