Blue Origin delays New Glenn rocket launch until January 2027

Blue Origin has delayed the launch of its New Glenn rocket until January 2027, according to reports from the Financial Times and Reuters citing people familiar with the matter.

Causes for the delay

The delay follows an anomaly in May during testing of the 98-metre-tall New Glenn rocket. According to the Financial Times, an engine valve failed during testing, triggering an "inferno that caused extensive damage at the site."

In addition to the damage from the May explosion, the company has faced challenges reconstructing its launchpad in Florida. Chief executive Dave Limp informed staff in a memo that rebuilding the site has been difficult due to severe weather over the summer and recent flash floods in the region.

Company objectives and contracts

Blue Origin has sought permission from the US Federal Aviation Administration to launch as many as 50 rockets a year from its launchpad in Florida’s Cape Canaveral. The company previously planned to carry out 12 flights using New Glenn this year.

Blue Origin holds several significant contracts, including:

• A $3.4bn contract with Nasa to provide a lunar lander for the Artemis programme.
• Contracts with Amazon for 24 launches intended to build out the satellite constellation for its Leo internet business.

Financial background

Earlier this year, Blue Origin raised $10bn at a $140bn post-money valuation in its first ever fundraising, according to people familiar with the matter. Coatue led the round. Jeff Bezos has invested approximately $28bn into the company since its founding in 2000, including a recent $2bn investment.

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Sources

• investing.com: Blue Origin delays New Glenn rocket launch into January, FT reports By Reuters
• ft.com: Blue Origin delays launches until 2027

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.