New Glenn
Blue Origin's heavy rocket with a reusable first stage that lands on a ship. It exploded on its pad during a May 2026 ground test, which also damaged its only orbital launch pad; no return-to-flight date was set.
Why it matters
It is Blue Origin's bid to compete with SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, and it is booked to launch Amazon Leo satellites and to carry Blue Origin's own Moon landers.
How the technology works
Seven main engines burning liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas power a first stage designed to land on a ship at sea and fly again. A second stage carries payloads to orbit and beyond inside a 7-meter-wide fairing.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction