Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Set for Maiden Launch After Final Engine Test

Jeff Bezos' space company completed a critical hotfire test and secured FAA approval, moving closer to its first orbital mission.

Blue Origin successfully conducted a 24-second hotfire test of its New Glenn rocket's seven BE-4 engines at Cape Canaveral, reaching 100% thrust for 13 seconds.
The Federal Aviation Administration granted a five-year launch license, clearing the way for New Glenn's debut orbital mission from Florida's Space Launch Complex 36.
The first mission, NG-1, will carry the Blue Ring Pathfinder, a spacecraft technology demonstrator, and is expected to take place as early as January 2025.
New Glenn is a reusable heavy-lift rocket designed for satellite launches and future human spaceflight, competing with SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Starship systems.
Blue Origin aims to land the rocket's first stage on a sea-based platform, enabling reuse for up to 25 flights to reduce launch costs.