Blue Origin's New Glenn Reaches Orbit on Maiden Flight

Blue Origin's New Glenn heavy-lift rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36 at 2:03 AM EST, carrying the Blue Ring Pathfinder payload to medium Earth orbit. New Glenn reached orbit on its first attempt — a rare achievement for a new rocket. The first stage booster was lost on the descent landing attempt at approximately Mach 5.5. The successful debut bolstered Blue Origin's credentials as a viable HLS provider for Artemis V.