Why was the NG-1 flight designated as a demonstration mission rather than deploying a major commercial satellite?

To test orbital insertion profiles, fairing separation, and upper-stage performance under ascent conditions.

Developing a heavy-lift orbital rocket involves significantly greater complexity and higher stakes than suborbital flights. The first flight, NG-1, needed to confirm that all critical orbital mechanics systems functioned flawlessly under stress. This included verifying the upper-stage performance during the final push toward orbit, successfully executing payload fairing separation in the vacuum of space, and validating the entire orbital insertion profile. Using the Blue Ring Pathfinder demonstrator allowed the company to test these vital steps without risking a high-value primary commercial satellite.