New Glenn Rocket Launch Delayed by Blue Origin

Due to adverse weather conditions, Blue Origin has postponed the launch of its much-anticipated New Glenn rocket, which was initially scheduled for Friday, January 10.

The launch has been rescheduled to Sunday, January 12, at 1:00 a.m. EST (0600 GMT) from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Rough seas in the Atlantic Ocean posed risks to the safe landing of the rocket’s reusable first stage on the recovery barge Jacklyn, which was crucial for the mission’s success.

According to a report from Space.com, high sea states could jeopardize the recovery of the rocket’s booster. The booster is designed for a precision landing on the barge Jacklyn, named after Jeff Bezos’ mother. This launch is pivotal as it aims to accomplish the first booster landing, highlighting Blue Origin’s commitment to reusability.

Blue Origin's latest flagship rocket, New Glenn, is set to launch for the first time on Sunday from Cape Canaveral, Florida https://t.co/jj7wZZSZwW

— Bloomberg (@business) January 11, 2025

Standing at 320 feet (98 meters), the New Glenn rocket signals Blue Origin’s foray into orbital-class missions. It features a reusable first stage and is designed for at least 25 flights, echoing SpaceX’s model of reusable rockets. Such innovations are set to reduce the overall cost of space exploration.

Join me tonight to watch @blueorigin launch their massive New Glenn rocket for the first time!!! It’s a very ambitious first launch that will feature a landing attempt of the booster down range! I can’t wait!!! – https://t.co/e2pvFiwFUr pic.twitter.com/iRgbwzR1uu

— Everyday Astronaut (@Erdayastronaut) January 11, 2025

Blue Origin has secured numerous contracts for the New Glenn, including NASA’s ESCAPADE mission to Mars and deploying Amazon’s Kuiper internet satellites. Should the launch face further delays, the Federal Aviation Administration has indicated possible launch windows through January 16.

This mission marks a critical development in Blue Origin’s pursuit of advancing reusable space technologies, with the industry watching closely.