Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin set for first orbital launch of New Glenn rocket

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is set for its first orbital launch attempt on Monday at 1 a.m. (0600 GMT). ET from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The company is live-streaming the mission on its YouTube channel and website.

The New Glenn, standing at 98 meters, is designed to be a heavy-lift launch vehicle capable of carrying satellites to orbit. With seven BE-4 engines, it generates more than twice the power of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.

This mission will carry Blue Origin's Blue Ring Pathfinder technology to orbit but will not deploy a satellite.

The rocket's first-stage booster will separate from the upper portion of the rocket shortly after launch. It will attempt a controlled landing on a recovery platform named Jacklyn, using fins and strakes to guide itself.

The booster will reignite its engines before landing and deploy legs to touch down.

The upper portion of the rocket will continue towards orbit, with two engines firing to propel it to speeds needed for orbital entry.

A successful launch would position Blue Origin as a competitor to SpaceX in the commercial launch sector.

While the company has tested the BE-4 engines on the ground, this mission will be the first to see them fire for a full duration.

If something goes wrong, the rocket may self-destruct to avoid risk to people or property. However, even if the booster fails to land, the mission can still be considered a success if the upper stage reaches the intended orbit.

The New Glenn rocket’s success could have significant implications for the launch industry. Heavy-lift vehicles like New Glenn have gained importance as companies increasingly favor launching larger satellites or multiple payloads at once.

Success for Blue Origin would further solidify its position as a reliable launch provider