New Glenn rocket from Blue Origin passed first stage test successfully

Blue Origin announced it is prepared to launch its New Glenn rocket following a successful static-fire test on December 27.

At 8 p.m. ET, the first stage of the New Glenn rocket, powered by seven BE-4 engines, ignited at Launch Complex 36 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The ignition lasted 24 seconds, with 13 seconds at full thrust.

The test was a key part of a broader campaign that involved fueling both the first and second stages of the rocket and conducting a countdown. The company stated the test confirmed the rocket and ground systems were ready for launch day. Blue Origin declared, "We successfully met all of our campaign objectives, marking the last major test before launch."

The test occurred alongside the Federal Aviation Administration's approval of a launch license for Blue Origin from Cape Canaveral. This license permits the New Glenn rocket to take flight, although specific details about the flight paths and launch conditions remain undisclosed.

Kelvin Coleman, an FAA executive, stated that the license was granted earlier than expected due to strong cooperation with Blue Origin for the New Glenn’s inaugural flight.

With the license secured and the static ignition test completed, Blue Origin is poised for the historic first flight of New Glenn, which may happen as soon as January. CEO Dave Limp announced on social media that only the installation of the payload remains before the launch.

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Blue Origin, simply stated, “Next stop: launch.”

For this test, the company utilized engine test fairings and payload mass simulators. These will be replaced by actual models and the payload, which will be the Blue Ring Technology Testbed, showcasing Blue Origin’s orbital transfer technology.

While the official launch date for New Glenn’s first flight, designated NG-1, has not been confirmed, the FAA has issued an advisory regarding the launch airspace. This advisory covers January 6 from 1 a.m. to 4:45 a.m. EST, with a backup opportunity available at the same time the following day.

New Glenn’s first flight was initially planned for 2024. However, the schedule was revised in December due to changes in the technology payload for the Blue Ring mission, which was meant to replace NASA’s Escapade mission that was canceled in September.