Blue Origin delays New Glenn rocket launch to 2027

Blue Origin has pushed back the launch date for its New Glenn rocket to January 2027, according to an internal memo sent by CEO Dave Limp to employees. The adjustment marks a significant shift in the company's timeline for entering the heavy-lift launch market.

The delay follows an incident in May where an explosion damaged the company's launchpad infrastructure. The facility was intended to support a mission carrying Amazon's low-Earth orbit satellites, but the damage necessitated extensive repairs, complicating the company's testing schedule.

Company founder Jeff Bezos had previously suggested a launch window for late December 2024. The latest projection places the debut flight roughly 10 days behind the company's most recent internal target, reflecting ongoing operational challenges in transitioning the vehicle from development to flight-ready status.