Blue Origin to launch its 1st New Glenn rocket early Jan. 12: Watch it live - Space.com

Blue Origin to launch its 1st New Glenn rocket early Jan. 12: Watch it live - Space.com


# Blue Origin to Launch Its First New Glenn Rocket on January 12: Watch It Live

Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos, is set to make history on January 12 with the inaugural launch of its **New Glenn rocket**. This event marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey and the broader space industry. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting development, its historical context, public opinion, counterarguments, and its potential implications.

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## Historical Background: The Evolution of Blue Origin and New Glenn

- **Founding of Blue Origin**: Blue Origin was established in 2000 by Jeff Bezos with the vision of enabling a future where millions of people live and work in space. The company started small, focusing on suborbital flights with its **New Shepard rocket**, which has successfully completed multiple crewed missions.

- **The New Glenn Project**: Named after John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, the **New Glenn rocket** represents Blue Origin’s ambitious leap into orbital spaceflight. Unlike New Shepard, which is designed for short trips to the edge of space, New Glenn is a heavy-lift rocket capable of carrying payloads and satellites into orbit.

- **Delays and Challenges**: The development of New Glenn has faced several delays, partly due to technical challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally slated for a 2020 launch, the project has taken longer than expected, but the upcoming launch signifies a major step forward.

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## General Public Opinion: Excitement and Skepticism

The public’s reaction to Blue Origin’s New Glenn launch is a mix of excitement and skepticism:

- **Excitement**:

- Many space enthusiasts are thrilled to see another private company entering the heavy-lift rocket market, which has been dominated by SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy and NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS).

- The launch is seen as a step toward making space more accessible and affordable, aligning with Blue Origin’s motto: *“Gradatim Ferociter”* (Step by Step, Ferociously).

- The live broadcast of the launch on **Space.com** has generated significant interest, with viewers eager to witness this historic moment.

- **Skepticism**:

- Some critics argue that Blue Origin has been slow to deliver on its promises, especially compared to competitors like SpaceX.

- There are concerns about the company’s reliance on Jeff Bezos’ funding and whether it can sustain long-term growth without more commercial success.

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## Counterarguments: Criticisms of Blue Origin and New Glenn

While the New Glenn launch is a significant achievement, it has not been without criticism:

- **Pace of Development**: Critics point out that Blue Origin has lagged behind SpaceX in terms of innovation and speed. SpaceX has already launched its Starship prototype and secured numerous contracts, while Blue Origin is just now launching its first orbital rocket.

- **Commercial Viability**: Some industry experts question whether New Glenn can compete in the crowded satellite launch market, where companies like SpaceX and Rocket Lab already offer cost-effective solutions.

- **Environmental Concerns**: Like all rocket launches, New Glenn’s launch will produce emissions and contribute to space debris, raising concerns about the environmental impact of increased space activity.

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## Implications: What Does This Mean for the Future?

The launch of New Glenn has far-reaching implications for the space industry and beyond:

- **Increased Competition**: New Glenn’s entry into the market could drive innovation and lower costs, benefiting both commercial and scientific missions.

- **Space Exploration**: The rocket’s heavy-lift capability could support future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, potentially aiding NASA’s Artemis program and other international efforts.

- **Economic Growth**: Successful launches could boost Blue Origin’s reputation, attract more customers, and create jobs in the aerospace sector.

- **Inspiration for the Next Generation**: High-profile launches like this inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

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## How to Watch the Launch Live

The New Glenn rocket is scheduled to launch on **January 12**. You can watch the event live on **Space.com** or Blue Origin’s official website. The live stream will provide real-time updates, expert commentary, and stunning visuals of the rocket’s ascent.

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## Conclusion: A New Chapter in Space Exploration

The launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is a pivotal moment in the history of space exploration. While it has faced delays and criticism, the project represents a bold step toward making space more accessible and advancing humanity’s presence beyond Earth. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or a casual observer, this launch is a reminder of the incredible progress being made in the aerospace industry. Don’t miss the chance to witness this historic event live!

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