Blue Origin, started by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, will launch its initial orbital rocket on Friday, a significant event in the commercial space competition led by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
The rocket called New Glenn is set to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Station in Florida, USA, on Friday, January 10, according to a statement released by the company on Monday evening.
The launch window will be open for three hours starting at 01:00 local time (03h Brasilia).
The NG-1 mission involves carrying a Blue Ring prototype spacecraft, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, designed as a flexible satellite deployment platform. It will stay on the rocket’s second stage throughout the six-hour test flight.
This move will signify Blue Origin’s anticipated entry into the profitable orbital launch sector, following years of focusing on suborbital flights using the New Shepard rocket for short space trips with passengers and cargo.
“We are thoroughly ready for our inaugural flight,” stated Jarrett Jones, Senior Vice President of New Glenn.
Jones emphasized the importance of conducting an actual flight for the rocket, stating that ground tests and simulations cannot fully substitute the experience.
“We will acquire new knowledge from any outcome and use it in our next product launch,” he stated.
The achievement will also increase the competition between Bezos, the second wealthiest individual globally, and Musk, the wealthiest individual, who has strengthened SpaceX’s influence, conducted missions for Nasa, and is now close to President Donald Trump, who is set to assume office this month and has appointed him to a government role.