Used as a sound suppression system, a water deluge is necessary to start New Glenn’s engines.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has granted Blue Origin’s application for a water deluge system at Space Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral. It appears that Blue Origin now has no remaining regulatory hurdles prior to the planned static fire of New Glenn’s first stage and its eventual launch at some point in the near future.
The Notification From FDEP
“This permit authorizes the use of existing dry retention ponds for the final disposition of deluge water at Launch Complex LC-36 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS). During launch and static fire test events at LC-36, a maximum of 1,000,000 gallons of water (deluge water) will disperse through nozzles and pipes at the base of the launch mount towards the engines and plume of the rocket. Approximately 90% (900,000 gallons maximum) will convert to steam and be expelled into the atmosphere. The remaining 10% (approximately 100,000 gallons maximum) will flow to the Drainage Retention Area (DRA) 5-3 Stormwater Pond. A static fire test will be performed before each launch to test the launch readiness of the engines and the vehicle. The rocket will be held down while the engines ignite for approximately 5-10 seconds. Up to eight (8) launches and eight (8) static fire tests per year are proposed for LC-36.“
FDEP, November 7, 2024…