Blue Origin Prepares for New Glenn Rocket's Inaugural Launch in Early January

Jeff Bezos' space company aims to challenge SpaceX with its heavy-lift rocket, pending final pre-launch steps and weather conditions.

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is expected to launch on January 6, 2025, with January 7 as a backup date, according to air traffic advisories.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a five-year launch license for New Glenn after the company met all safety and environmental requirements.
The rocket recently completed a successful 24-second hotfire test of its seven BE-4 engines, marking the final major test before launch.
New Glenn's first mission, called Pathfinder, will carry a payload mass simulator and demonstrate Blue Origin's Blue Ring orbital transfer vehicle.
The rocket's reusable first stage, designed to land on a sea-based platform, is intended to support up to 25 missions and compete with SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy.