Blue Origin achieved a significant milestone with the first launch of its New Glenn rocket. The rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on January 16, 2025 at 2:03 a.m. EST. Designed as a reusable orbital-class rocket, it was a pivotal moment for the company’s ambitions in spaceflight. The mission’s primary goal of reaching orbit was successfully achieved approximately 12.5 minutes after liftoff, marking a significant achievement for the NG-1 test flight.
About New Glenn Rocket
The 320-foot-tall New Glenn rocket took years of development, according to a Blue Origin report reported by space.com. It was originally targeted to debut in 2020, but the schedule was extended due to production delays for the BE-4 first stage engine. Blue Origin emphasized that the rocket’s reusable first stage underwent rigorous testing during this launch, including an attempt to land on a recovery vessel named Jacklin in the Atlantic Ocean. Although the booster did not successfully land, it performed a planned reentry burn and provided valuable data for future missions.
Capabilities and future mission
The rocket is designed to carry payloads of up to 50 tons to low Earth orbit. New Glenn and SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy are often compared, with the latter boasting a slightly higher payload capacity. The new Glenn’s reusability is intended for up to 25 launches per booster and is expected to improve cost efficiency.
As reported by space.com, Blue Origin has secured contracts with NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and a commercial telecommunications company. Upcoming missions include the deployment of Amazon’s Project Kuiper broadband satellite. NASA also plans an ESCAPADE Mars mission at New Glenn in 2025, subject to the rocket’s proven reliability.
Test payload verified
The flight carried a prototype of Blue Origin’s Blue Ring spacecraft to validate key communications and tracking technologies. The system is being developed under the Defense Innovation Unit’s Orbital Logistics Program to transport payloads to various orbits. Blue Origin describes the launch as an important step toward expanding its role in commercial and government space missions.
