FDEP

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has fined Blue Origin $3000 plus costs for conducting a static fire of New Glenn’s second stage prior to the department issuing the company a permit to use Launch Complex 36’s water deluge system. The total amount came to $3,250, a nominal fine for the violation.

LC-36’s water deluge system in action in September 2024 as Blue Origin conducted a second stage static fire on the launch pad.
Credit: Blue Origin

What Happened?

Basically, what happened is this: Blue Origin conducted a static fire test on the launch pad in September 2024. As part of the test, they employed the pad’s water deluge system before all the permitting had been issued, which was completed the first week of November last year.

As a result, FDEP notified Blue Origin that they had violated the law, saying, “While Blue Origin applied for a permit for the LC-36 deluge system on May 31, 2024, no permit has been issued to date and the system may not be placed into service. This static fire appears to constitute an intentional unauthorized discharge of untreated industrial wastewater to the environment.”

LC-36 FDEP 1Download

The matter came to an apparent conclusion today, when FDEP sent Blue Origin this letter:

Blue Origin has not spoken publicly on the violation.

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Blue Origin's New Glenn First Stage arriving at Launch Complex 36. Photo: Blue Origin
A Blue Origin BE-4 engine being test fired.
Photo: Blue Origin
Water Deluge Permit Needed For New Glenn Sound Suppression System at LC-36

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has granted Blue Orgin’s application for a water deluge system at Space Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral. It now 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.

Blue Origin implemented the water deluge system to suppress sound and manage the intense acoustic energy generated during New Glenn launches. When engine exhaust gases surpass the speed of sound, they collide with the surrounding air, creating shockwaves and noise levels reaching nearly 200 decibels. This powerful energy can reflect off the launch platform and pad surfaces, potentially damaging the rocket or its payload. A water deluge system works to absorb or deflect that energy, helping to protect critical components during liftoff. It is used by all major launch service providers and NASA itself for SLS.

At the Eastern Range (KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection handles environmental permitting for a water deluge system. Without the FDEP permit, Blue Origin could not legally use the new LC-36 water deluge system, and as such, they could not conduct a full New Glenn S1 test firing.

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