New Glenn rocket: How Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin is set to rival Elon Musk's SpaceX in the orbital space race

Developed by Jeff Bezos' aerospace company, New Glenn aims high. (Image: Blue Origin)

After nearly 20 years, a Florida launchpad returns to use. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station will host New Glenn's debut. The 98-metre-tall rocket is Blue Origin's largest project yet. The rocket's first flight is scheduled for next week.

A Rocket Built for the Future
Developed by Jeff Bezos' aerospace company, New Glenn aims high. This reusable rocket seeks to rival SpaceX's orbit dominance. Named after astronaut John Glenn, it stands 30 stories tall. The rocket's first stage can be reused to cut costs. It will primarily carry satellites and heavy cargo into orbit.

Well, all we have left to do is mate our encapsulated payloadand then LAUNCH! Congrats to the many Blue folks on today's test. Big day for our seven #BE4 engines, simultaneously firing for the first time for 24 seconds. Get this a single BE-4 turbopump can fit in the backseat https://t.co/nHx3t0KEYd pic.twitter.com/UQkS0cFWKT
Dave Limp (@davill) December 28, 2024

Blue Origin introduced the New Glenn project in 2016. Initial launch plans for 2020 were delayed multiple times. These delays reflect common challenges in the aerospace industry.

A New Player in Orbital Launch Competition
The New Glenn flight highlights Blue Origin's orbital ambitions. SpaceX currently leads with frequent and reliable rocket launches. Blue Origin hopes New Glenn becomes a competitive alternative soon. Success could reshape competition within the commercial space industry.

Blue Origin plans to recover the rocket's first-stage booster. The booster will attempt a landing on an offshore platform. If successful, it could mirror SpaceX's reusability achievements. The launch will also demonstrate the rocket's capabilities for clients.

As launch day approaches, anticipation builds for this event. New Glenn’s success could shape the future of space exploration.