Blue Origin Moves New Glenn Launch to January 2027
CEO Dave Limp cites weather delays and pad reconstruction efforts as the primary reasons for the shift from the original year-end target.
By Jessica Abebe ·
Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, has moved its return to flight for the New Glenn rocket to January 2027. This date is approximately 10 days later than the company's previous goal of launching by the end of 2026. The delay stems from challenges in reconstructing the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, which suffered severe damage during a test explosion in May.
In a memo to employees released Wednesday, CEO Dave Limp explained that bad weather over the summer slowed the repair process. Limp acknowledged the timing shift but maintained that the setback does not reduce the value of the work completed. "This small adjustment doesn't diminish what we've accomplished or the importance of the work still ahead," Limp wrote. He added that returning New Glenn to flight remains the top priority for the team.
The original May incident occurred during a hot-fire test and caused extensive damage to the Florida launch facility. The timing was particularly disruptive because Blue Origin was scheduled to launch 48 satellites for Amazon's Leo internet constellation just days after the explosion. The company has since reworked the pad configuration and made rapid progress on repairs, though Limp noted that "rebuilding at this pace hasn't been easy." He praised the team's performance, stating that "in just six months, Team Blue has accomplished what many thought would take years."
The delay impacts Blue Origin's ability to compete with SpaceX for commercial and government launch contracts. NASA has selected Blue Origin for several missions in the Artemis lunar program, including a lunar lander. The company had planned to increase its launch frequency to match its rival, but the mishap has forced a pause in that ramp-up. Bezos told Fox News last month that he still expected a December launch, making the January 2027 date a recent adjustment.
Amazon, which relies on New Glenn for a portion of its satellite deployments, has turned to other providers to maintain its buildout schedule. The company has contracted with United Launch Alliance and Arianespace to fill the gap while SpaceX prioritizes testing its Starship vehicle over Falcon 9 launches. Blue Origin announced new investments in its Florida facilities last month with a long-term goal of supporting multiple flights per week by the end of the decade.
The company will continue to monitor the reconstruction of the launch pad as it prepares for its next attempt. The January 2027 window allows engineers additional time to ensure the facility meets safety standards before the next hot-fire test and eventual orbital mission. No further changes to the schedule have been announced as of this week.
