Get the latest tech news

After a 24-second test of its engines, the New Glenn rocket is ready to fly

Also on Friday, the company obtained a launch license for New Glenn launch attempts.

After a long day of stops and starts that stretched well into the evening, and on what appeared to be the company's fifth attempt Friday, Blue Origin successfully ignited the seven main engines on its massive New Glenn rocket. The test firing came as fog built over the Florida coast, and it marks the final major step in the rocket company's campaign to bring the New Glenn rocket—a privately developed, super-heavy lift vehicle—to launch readiness. Over the last year the company has appeared more nimble as it raced toward the launch pad, completing work on its ground-based infrastructure, assembling the rocket, and preparing a fleet of ships upon which Blue Origin intends to land New Glenn's first stage for potential reuse.

Get the Android app