Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Successfully Completes Vital Test Ahead of Launch

New Delhi, Dec 28 (NationPress) Blue Origin has revealed that its impressive new rocket, New Glenn, has successfully completed a critical test, clearing the path for its launch.
Referred to as the hotfire test, this was the inaugural examination of the integrated launch vehicle. During this test, the vehicle remained securely attached to the launchpad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
According to the company, owned by Jeff Bezos, “The seven-engine hotfire lasted 24 seconds and marked the first time we operated the entire flight vehicle as an integrated system.” This hotfire, which was the last significant milestone prior to the first flight, included a series of inert functional and tanking tests.
“Next stop launch,” Bezos stated as he shared a video of the roaring engines.
In addition, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a commercial space launch license for New Glenn’s mission on Friday.
However, the company has yet to disclose the specific date for New Glenn’s maiden flight.
The initial launch date for New Glenn was set for 2020, but ongoing delays in the development of the BE-4 engine have pushed it back multiple times. Blue Origin officials had aimed for a launch this year, initially expected in October with two small Mars-bound orbiters for NASA. This plan was scrapped when it became evident that Blue Origin would not be prepared in time.
Standing at 98 meters tall, New Glenn is the largest and most powerful rocket ever constructed and launched.
The rocket is named in honor of NASA astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, who completed three orbits in 1962.
Having been on the launchpad for several weeks, the rocket will now be returned to the hangar, where technicians will install the payload—a prototype spacecraft known as Blue Ring, which Blue Origin is developing to transport other spacecraft around Earth.
“Well, all we have left to do is mate our encapsulated payload...and then LAUNCH!” stated Dave Limp, CEO of Blue Origin, in a post on X.