Blue Origin Delays New Glenn Launch Until January 2027

Blue Origin has postponed the next flight of its New Glenn rocket until January 2027 as the company continues rebuilding its damaged launch infrastructure at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The decision, announced internally by CEO Dave Limp, follows a May explosion that severely damaged the launch pad and disrupted the company's flight schedule.

The revised schedule replaces the company's previous target of returning the rocket to flight by the end of 2026. According to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to CNBC on condition of anonymity, the January timeframe is approximately 10 days later than Blue Origin's earlier launch target.

Limp informed employees about the revised schedule in a memo circulated Wednesday. He attributed the delay to reconstruction work at the Florida launch facility, including weather-related setbacks during the summer.

Blue Origin has been working to restore the launch infrastructure and modify the launch pad configuration since the May incident. The explosion occurred during a hot-fire test, causing substantial damage just days before the company was scheduled to deploy 48 satellites for Amazon's Leo internet satellite network.

Limp acknowledged the difficulties involved in the recovery while emphasizing the company's progress toward resuming operations.

"This small adjustment doesn't diminish what we've accomplished or the importance of the work still ahead," Limp wrote in the memo. "Returning New Glenn to flight remains our top priority — it's worth it."

The CEO also recognized the scale of the reconstruction effort and the work completed by employees over the past six months.

"Rebuilding at this pace hasn't been easy," Limp said.

He subsequently praised the team's progress in restoring the launch operation.

"Your collective work on our return to flight has been nothing short of remarkable," Limp wrote. "In just six months, Team Blue has accomplished what many thought would take years."

The revised schedule comes as Blue Origin seeks to increase its launch frequency and compete with SpaceX for commercial and government contracts. The New Glenn delays have also affected Amazon's Leo satellite deployment plans, which depend partly on Blue Origin launches.

While the rocket remains grounded, Amazon has secured alternative launch providers, including United Launch Alliance and Arianespace, to maintain progress on its satellite constellation.

SpaceX has also adjusted its launch operations, phasing out Falcon 9 launches to prioritize testing of its larger Starship rocket, according to CNBC.

Blue Origin has additional commitments to NASA through the agency's Artemis lunar exploration program. These include contracts involving development of a lunar lander.

Last month, Blue Origin announced further investments in its Florida launch facilities. The company aims to expand its infrastructure sufficiently to support multiple launches per week by the end of the decade.