Blue Origin pushes launch to January 2027 as it races to rebuild damaged launch pad

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket launch has been postponed to January 2027, according to two sources familiar with the situation and an internal memo from CEO Dave Limp, as reported by Reuters. The delay follows a major explosion in May that grounded the rocket, which was set to launch Amazon satellites into orbit. Located at the company's Florida launchpad, the New Glenn rocket suffered significant damage from the explosion, forcing the company to halt all launch operations.

Amazon's Leo satellite internet constellation, which aims to compete with SpaceX's Starlink, depends heavily on Blue Origin for launch services. CEO Dave Limp informed employees that summer weather delays had contributed to the setback. However, the company has worked on repairing and restacking the Vehicle Access Tower and restoring the launch bridge, hoping to bring the New Glenn rocket back to flight.

Rebuilding at this pace has proven challenging, as Limp noted the impact of the region's summer weather, which has also experienced flash floods in recent days. The Financial Times first disclosed this news on Thursday.