Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Achieves Successful Sea Landing in Second Test Flight (Video)
Blue Origin released new footage on Thursday, November 13, showing its heavy‑lift New Glenn rocket completing a controlled landing on a recovery ship in the Atlantic. The video, posted on the company’s official channels, captures the final moments of the rocket’s second flight, highlighting the vehicle’s descent burn and touchdown on the deck of the autonomous vessel.
The launch took place from the company's launch site in Florida in the early afternoon, with New Glenn ascending to sub‑orbital altitude before beginning its re‑entry sequence. After a series of engine burns to reduce speed, the first stage performed a precision maneuver to align with the moving ship, which was positioned several miles downrange. The landing was described as “smooth” by on‑site personnel, and the video shows the rocket’s legs extending and the vehicle settling firmly on the deck.
New Glenn, named after astronaut John Glenn, is Blue Origin’s answer to the market for heavy‑payload launchers capable of delivering large satellites and deep‑space missions. The rocket’s first flight in 2022 was a sub‑orbital test that demonstrated basic propulsion and control systems. This second flight marks the first time the booster has attempted a sea‑based recovery, a capability that could lower launch costs by enabling reuse of the vehicle’s most expensive components.
Industry observers noted that the successful landing underscores Blue Origin’s progress in competing with other commercial launch providers, such as SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy and NASA’s SLS program. Analysts highlighted that mastering sea‑based recovery is critical for the company’s planned operational cadence, which envisions multiple launches per year for both commercial and government customers. Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the flight complied with all safety regulations and that the agency will continue to monitor subsequent test flights.
Looking ahead, Blue Origin plans to conduct additional test flights to validate New Glenn’s orbital performance and to refine its turnaround procedures for rapid reuse. If the company can consistently achieve safe landings and rapid refurbishment, New Glenn could become a cornerstone of the emerging heavy‑lift market, supporting satellite constellations, lunar missions, and beyond.
