Blue Origin has postponed the inaugural launch of its New Glenn rocket, initially scheduled for January 13, 2025, due to a technical issue. The company, founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, aimed to lift off from Florida’s Space Coast during a three-hour launch window that opened at 1 a.m. EST. However, the launch was delayed after multiple postponements, ultimately being called off around 3:10 a.m. EST.
In a statement shared via X, Blue Origin indicated, “We’re standing down on today’s launch attempt to troubleshoot a vehicle subsystem issue that will take us beyond our launch window.” The specific subsystem issue was not detailed at the time of the announcement.
Later, the company disclosed that the scrub was due to “ice forming in a purge line on an auxiliary power unit that powers some of our hydraulic systems.” Following this update, they adjusted their launch timeline to target January 14, but soon after shifted the attempt to January 16.
This marks another delay for the New Glenn, which stands 320 feet tall and features a reusable first stage. The rocket’s debut mission, called NG-1, was initially scheduled for January 10 but had already been postponed due to rough sea conditions in the Atlantic Ocean, where the rocket’s first stage is set to land after its mission.
The upcoming test flight will carry a pathfinder version of Blue Ring, a new spacecraft platform developed by Blue Origin. With the current launch window extending through January 16, the company has a few days to resolve the technical issues and proceed with the launch.
Blue Origin has been developing the New Glenn for nearly a decade, and its successful launch would mark a significant milestone for the company, complementing its existing suborbital vehicle, the New Shepard.
As the aerospace community eagerly anticipates the New Glenn’s first flight, this delay underscores the importance of thorough preparations and safety in space missions. Overall, the situation highlights Blue Origin’s commitment to ensuring a successful launch, reaffirming their position in the evolving world of space exploration.