Blue Origin’s eagerly anticipated launch of its New Glenn heavy-lift rocket has been postponed due to a technical issue. Initially scheduled for January 13, 2025, the launch from Florida’s Space Coast was delayed multiple times before being officially scrubbed around 3:10 a.m. EST.
The aerospace company, founded by Jeff Bezos, cited the need to troubleshoot a vehicle subsystem problem that impeded the launch window. While specifics were not initially provided, the cause was later identified as ice forming in a purge line on an auxiliary power unit responsible for some hydraulic systems.
In an update, Blue Origin indicated they are now targeting a new launch opportunity on January 16, with a three-hour window beginning at 1 a.m. EST. This latest setback comes on the heels of an earlier delay, which had pushed the mission, labeled NG-1, back from January 10 due to rough Atlantic seas where the rocket’s first stage is slated to land on a recovery ship named Jacklyn, after Bezos’ mother.
Notably, New Glenn, which stands at 320 feet (98 meters) tall and features a reusable first stage, has been under development for nearly a decade. This launch marks a significant step for Blue Origin as it seeks to establish a foothold in the orbital-class rocket launch market. The mission will carry a pathfinder version of their new spacecraft platform, Blue Ring.
Despite the delays, there remains optimism surrounding New Glenn and its potential to enhance Blue Origin’s capabilities in spaceflight. The company is committed to resolving the technical issues swiftly and is focused on executing a successful launch in the coming days.