CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – It’s the final week if Jeff Bezos still thinks his space company can launch its brand-new rocket on its maiden flight before 2025.
This month, Blue Origin has been sharing videos showing tests of the New Glenn at its Cape Canaveral launch pad.
Whenever it takes off for the first time, the huge rocket should draw huge crowds on Space Coast beaches.
The 320-foot rocket isn’t another vehicle for tourists, like New Shepard in Texas.
It’s Blue Origin’s heavy-lift rocket built for national security missions and launching Amazon satellites for an internet service called Project Kuiper.
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Aerospace engineering student Sam Bencid Santana admired the rocket Thursday from the Harbor Heights beach access in Cape Canaveral.
“I think it’s pretty phenomenal that we’re getting into reusable super heavy rockets,” the 20-year-old said. “It’s gonna be a big step forward for the human race. I think, just having something that can lift that much mass.”
The aspiring aerospace engineer commented on Blue Origin preparing to compete with SpaceX.
Of the 91 launches to date in 2024, only five were not SpaceX rockets.
“I think it’s gonna lead to some great advancements,” Bencid Santana said of New Glenn. “Technology can’t really progress if there’s just one big company holding the industry hostage, you know? You gotta diversify.”
Jetty Park will be the closest the public can see New Glenn, but you don’t have to just be in Cape Canaveral to see the rocket.
On a clear day, the launch pad can be seen for several miles down the beach.
Stick with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates on New Glenn’s first launch date.
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