Blue Origin launch updates: Jeff Bezos’ New Glenn rocket set for major Mars test

Amazon’s billionaire owner Jeff Bezos is preparing to launch his Blue Origin New Glenn rocket in a matter of hours, after multiple aborted launches, in a major test for a Mars mission.

The Blue Origin rocket will carry two satellites as it attempts to successfully leave Earth, along with two planetary orbiters that will embark on a long journey to Mars to collect data.

Mr. Bezos’s New Glenn rocket was tested in January, but this launch marks the first with a payload designed for further journeys.

The launch was postponed multiple times over several days.

Sunday’s takeoff was delayed due to cloud cover. It was canceled on Wednesday due to a solar flare, and even just a few hours earlier on Thursday afternoon the launch was delayed for an undisclosed reason.

Blue Origin notified viewers that the launch was temporarily canceled by saying “Terminal count cancelled” on X.

“The team is investigating.”

About 15 minutes later, Blue Origin confirmed they would attempt to launch again.

Launch is now set for 3:45pm EST (7:45am AEDT).

Blue Origin is livestreaming the planned launch on the X.

More to come…