Blue Origin’s New Glenn Finally Takes Flight

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket has been one of the most anticipated — and most delayed — vehicles in the commercial launch industry. After years of development, the massive rocket has finally begun operational flights, marking a turning point for Jeff Bezos’s space company.

New Glenn is a two-stage orbital rocket with a reusable first stage, standing about 320 feet tall. It’s designed to compete directly with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy in the commercial and government launch markets. The first stage is powered by seven BE-4 engines, which burn liquefied natural gas and liquid oxygen.

The rocket’s first orbital flight was a milestone moment, even if the booster landing attempt didn’t go as planned. Blue Origin has since refined its landing procedures, and the reusable first stage is now a key part of the company’s pitch to customers who want lower costs and higher launch cadence.

With contracts from the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and commercial satellite operators already in hand, New Glenn is positioned to break SpaceX’s near-monopoly on the reusable launch market. Competition is good for the industry — and for anyone who wants cheaper, more frequent access to space.