Blue Origin postpones launch of its first NASA mission on New Glenn rocket. Check details of next attempt

Codenamed as NG-2, the project was set to carry NASA’s ESCAPADE probes, twin satellites designed to understand Mars’s magnetosphere and atmospheric escape, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This was to

New Glenn on the launch pad at LC-36 ahead of the NG-2 mission on November 8, 2025 (Pic credit: Blue Origin)

The New Glenn rocket at the launch pad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. (Photo: Blue Origin)

The much-anticipated launch of the New Glenn rocket by the Jeff Bezos-owned Blue Origin has been postponed due to unfavourable weather conditions. Reports say the weather was not suitable due to the violation of the cumulus cloud rule, a key safety guideline that prevents launches through thick cloud formations that could trigger lightning. This is Blue Origin’s first NASA space flight.

The rocket is named after John Glenn, a NASA astronaut, who was the first American to orbit the Earth.

Codenamed ‘NG-2’, the project was set to carry NASA’s ESCAPADE probes — the twin satellites designed to understand Mars’ magnetosphere and atmospheric escape, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
This was to be the second flight of Blue Origin’s heavy-lift rocket, a crucial test for the company’s ambitions in the commercial market.

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In a statement on X, Blue Origin said, “Today’s NG-2 launch is scrubbed due to weather, specifically the cumulus cloud rule. We’re reviewing opportunities for our next launch attempt based on forecasted weather.”
The New Glenn rocket, which is nearly 98 metres tall, is powered by seven BE-4 engines and designed for partial reusability.

NG-2 Launch Update: Our next launch attempt is no earlier than Wednesday, November 12, due to forecasted weather and sea state conditions. We worked with the FAA and range to select a launch window from 2:50 PM – 4:17 PM EST / 19:50 – 21:17 UTC. The live webcast starts at T-20…

— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) November 10, 2025

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The ESCAPADE mission will be NASA’s first Mars-focused launch using a private rocket. If successful, the probes are likely to reach the Red Planet’s orbit in 2027.

The company in another X post said the next launch attempt could take place no earlier than November 12 and will depend on weather conditions and range availability.