Blue Origin delays New Glenn rocket launch into January, FT reports

Developing story first seen 3 hours ago

CNA · 3 hours ago

Blue Origin has delayed New Glenn’s return to flight until January 2027, according to people familiar with the matter and an internal memo from CEO Dave Limp. The new date extends the grounding of the company’s flagship heavy-lift rocket after an explosion damaged its Florida launchpad in May.

The explosion happened days before New Glenn was due to carry Amazon satellites into orbit and badly damaged the company’s only launchpad. The 322-foot rocket has flown three times since its 2025 debut; Limp said summer weather had slowed repairs, though the Vehicle Access Tower and launch bridge have been restored. Amazon’s Leo satellite network, which aims to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink, relies on Blue Origin as a key launch provider.

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In short

New Glenn’s next launch is now expected in January 2027.
A May explosion badly damaged its only launchpad.
The delay affects a key launch provider for Amazon’s Leo satellites.

How this story developed

53 minutes ago Blue Origin has pushed the next launch of its New Glenn rocket back to January 2027, after an explosion earlier this year damaged the launchpad in Florida.
1 hour ago Blue Origin has delayed New Glenn’s return to flight until January 2027, according to people familiar with the matter and an internal memo from CEO Dave Limp.

Explained simply

Blue Origin is a US space company founded by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Its New Glenn rocket is designed to carry large payloads, including satellites, into orbit; it first flew in 2025. The rocket launches from a site in Florida, where its launchpad was badly damaged in an explosion in May.

The launchpad is part of the ground equipment needed to prepare and send a rocket into space. Repairs affect Blue Origin’s ability to fly New Glenn, which is an important launch option for Amazon’s Leo satellite network, planned to provide internet access from orbit and compete with SpaceX’s Starlink.