Umbilical Release Mechanisms: Conceptualize, Design, Build, Test
May 22, 2025Blue Origin Engineering, 2024–25
Liaison(s): Mark Abrams, Andy Zerfas
Advisor(s): Gordon Krauss
Students(s): Isabelle Kemp (TL-S), Henry Connell (TL-F), Oliver Pick, Jasper Wood, Avery Anderson (S), Sam Brewer (S), Haley Colorado (F), McKenna McMurray (F)
Blue Origin has an existing umbilical release mechanism (URM) that does not completely satisfy the long-term needs of the New Glenn project. These are categorized by monetary concerns, mechanical efficiency and increased safety. The Blue Origin Clinic team designed, manufactured, and tested a URM concept to address these needs. The URM should mechanically attach an umbilical panel in the loading environments leading up to T-0 and quickly disconnect consistently without inducing loading on the vehicle.