Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Set for Maiden Voyage

After completing an integrated hotfire test and receiving the all-clear from the FAA, New Glenn is almost ready to fly.

Thursday, January 02, 2025 at 01:41 PM ET

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Blue Origin ignited all seven BE-4 engines on New Glenn’s lower stage during a hotfire test on December 27. [Courtesy: Blue Origin]

Key Takeaways:

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is cleared for its maiden flight as early as Sunday, having successfully completed its final full-vehicle hotfire test and secured an FAA launch license, positioning it as a competitor to SpaceX's Starship.
The colossal rocket, featuring a reusable first stage powered by seven BE-4 engines, is designed to accommodate large payloads for missions such as Amazon's Project Kuiper and NASA scientific endeavors.
The inaugural NG-1 mission will attempt to certify New Glenn for the U.S. Space Force's National Security Space Launch program while deploying the Blue Ring Pathfinder, a prototype spacecraft for Department of Defense missions, and aiming for a first-stage landing on an ocean barge.

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This weekend, SpaceX’s gargantuan Starship rocket and Super Heavy booster—which stand nearly as tall as the Great Pyramid of Giza when stacked—may finally get some competition.

Blue Origin’s New Glenn is also a giant among rockets despite having yet to fly. On Friday, though, the Jeff Bezos-owned company completed the rocket’s first full-vehicle hotfire test—the final key step before launch. A few hours earlier, the FAA issued Blue Origin a Part 450 commercial launch license authorizing New Glenn’s maiden flight. According to the agency’s current operations plan advisory, it could launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida as early as Sunday at 11:30 p.m. EST.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.