Blue Origin Preps for Third New Glenn Rocket Launch

The heavy-lift rocket will carry the BlueBird 7 satellite into orbit.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:05am

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A highly textured, abstract painting in shades of blue, orange, and gray, depicting the sweeping curves and precise geometry of a powerful rocket launch, conveying the complex forces and technology involved.Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket prepares to soar into the skies, carrying the BlueBird 7 satellite to orbit in a display of engineering prowess.Cape Canaveral Today

Blue Origin is preparing for the third mission of its New Glenn heavy-lift rocket program, with a targeted launch window opening at 6:45 a.m. EDT on Sunday, April 19 from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The two-hour launch window will close at 8:45 a.m. EDT.

Why it matters

The New Glenn is a key part of Blue Origin's ambitions to become a major player in the commercial space industry, competing with SpaceX and other private launch providers. This third mission will help demonstrate the rocket's capabilities as Blue Origin seeks more satellite launch contracts.

The details

The New Glenn rocket stands over 300 feet tall and is designed to carry large payloads, including satellites and potentially future crewed missions, into orbit. This upcoming launch will deliver the BlueBird 7 satellite into space.

  • The launch window opens at 6:45 a.m. EDT on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • The launch window closes at 8:45 a.m. EDT on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Blue Origin

An American private spaceflight company founded by Jeff Bezos, with the goal of making space travel more accessible.

New Glenn

Blue Origin's heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle, designed to carry large payloads into space.

BlueBird 7

A satellite that will be launched into orbit by the New Glenn rocket during this mission.

Launch Complex 36

The launch site at Cape Canaveral, Florida where the New Glenn rocket will lift off.

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What’s next

Blue Origin will provide live coverage of the launch on its website and social media channels, allowing the public to follow along as the New Glenn rocket lifts off and delivers the BlueBird 7 satellite to orbit.

The takeaway

This third New Glenn mission is an important milestone for Blue Origin as it continues to develop its heavy-lift rocket capabilities and compete in the growing commercial space industry.