New Glenn launch postponed until January 2027

Jeff Bezos' space company Blue Origin has postponed the date it had set to fly the New Glenn rocket again. After the big explosion in May, the company's new target was January 2027. It was previously stated that the launch would be made before the end of this year. Therefore, the plan shifted to the new year. That's why the return of the rocket will have to wait a while longer.

New Glenn launch postponed to 2027

The company's CEO, Dave Limp, sent an internal memo to employees. According to this note, the launch date was moved to January 2027. Moreover, according to CNBC and Financial Times, the main reason for the postponement is clear. There are delays in rebuilding the launch facility in Florida.

The ramp was severely damaged during an engine firing test in May 2026. On that mission, the rocket would carry 48 satellites into orbit for Amazon's space-based internet service, Leo. Therefore, the explosion affected both the rocket and the satellite calendar at the same time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5GpTpog1bQ

After the explosion, Blue Origin began working to repair the facility. It also rearranges the configuration of the ramp. However, there were adverse weather conditions, especially in the summer months. That's why the construction work took longer than planned.

Bezos pointed to December

Bezos, the founder of Blue Origin, said in an interview last month that they were targeting December for New Glenn. Moreover, he added humorously that the launch could even take place on December 31. However, the new calendar fell slightly short of this target.

According to Limp's latest note, the date has moved about 10 days ahead of the previous target. Limp said the delay should not overshadow the company's progress so far. He also emphasized that getting the rocket flying again remains a top priority for Blue Origin.

The CEO also stated that the team completed work in just six months that would normally take years. However, work continues to prepare the ramp. Because the launch depends on the repair of the facility.

Amazon's Leo project is also affected

This postponement also directly concerns Amazon's Leo satellite internet project. Because Amazon aims to transport some of the satellites it plans to place into orbit with Blue Origin's rockets. Therefore, every delay in launch pushes back the timetable in which the satellites will reach orbit.

When the rocket will fly now depends on the repair of the facility. Therefore, all eyes will be on the repair of the facility in Florida. On the other hand, the company's new target is clear: January 2027. If the relaunch is made on this date, the 48 satellites planned for Leo will be moved into orbit.