Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket passes final test ahead of inaugural flight

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is now ready for its first flight after successfully completing a wet dress rehearsal. The test involved igniting the rocket's seven engines for 24 seconds, marking the first full operation of the vehicle as an integrated system. The Federal Aviation Administration has granted Blue Origin a launch license for New Glenn. The rocket, designed to be reusable and capable of carrying humans, will make its inaugural flight uncrewed with a payload simulator. Originally scheduled for October, the first flight was delayed. It will now carry the Blue Ring Pathfinder, part of a new platform for spacecraft services. A new launch date has not been announced, but it is expected in early 2025.