NASA decided not to fuel the two ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers) spacecraft. The agency’s decision to stand down was based on a review of launch preparations and discussions with Blue Origin, the Federal Aviation Administration, and Space Launch Delta 45 Range Safety Organization, as well as NASA’s Launch Services Program and Science Mission Directorate. The decision was made to avoid significant cost, schedule, and technical challenges associated with potentially removing fuel from the spacecraft in the event of a launch delay, which could be caused by a number of factors. New launch opportunities in 2025 and 2026 are being studied. The Blue and Gold spacecraft are back at Rocket Lab in Long beach (pictured).
