Official Blue Origin press release or reputable news source covering the launch

Blue Origin's 98-Meter New Glenn Reaches Orbit on Maiden Flight; Booster Landing Fails

Jan 16, 2025, 11:50 AM

Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, successfully launched its massive 98-meter-tall New Glenn rocket into orbit on its maiden flight early Thursday morning from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The uncrewed rocket lifted off at 2:03 a.m. EST, marking a significant milestone for the company as it aims to compete with Elon Musk's SpaceX in the commercial space market. Despite the successful launch and orbital insertion, the first-stage booster failed to land on a platform in the Atlantic Ocean as planned. Elon Musk congratulated Jeff Bezos and the Blue Origin team on reaching orbit, tweeting, 'Well done, @JeffBezos, and the Blue Origin team!'