Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Prepares for Liftoff
Via SpaceNews
Summary
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, a heavy-lift launch vehicle years in development, targeted its inaugural launch in 2024 as the company completed final vehicle and regulatory preparations. The two-stage rocket stands 98 meters tall and is designed to carry payloads to both low Earth orbit and geostationary transfer orbit, positioning it as a direct competitor to SpaceX's Falcon 9.
The first actual launch slipped to January 16, 2025, when New Glenn completed its maiden flight and successfully reached orbit, though its first-stage booster failed to land on the downrange recovery barge. The launch marked a significant milestone for Blue Origin and founder Jeff Bezos, who had been working toward orbital spaceflight capability for over two decades.
