Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, successfully launched its powerful New Glenn rocket on its maiden flight early Thursday, marking a significant step in the company's bid to compete with SpaceX in the commercial space launch market.
The 320-foot (98-meter) rocket, named after astronaut John Glenn, blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying an experimental platform designed to host or release satellites into orbit. The launch was a success, with the rocket reaching orbit 13 minutes after liftoff, a feat that drew praise from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
While the first-stage booster missed its landing on a barge in the Atlantic, Blue Origin emphasized that the primary goal of reaching orbit was achieved. The company plans to attempt a booster landing again in the spring.
The New Glenn mission is a major milestone for Blue Origin, which has been investing heavily in its space program. The company envisions six to eight New Glenn flights this year, with the rocket eventually capable of carrying astronauts to orbit and the moon.