Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Achieves First Reuse, Lands Booster at Sea
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket successfully launched and landed a reused first-stage booster, though the payload was placed into an off-nominal orbit.
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket launched for the third time on Sunday, April 19, 2026, marking the company's first reuse of a first-stage booster. The mission, designated NG-3, lifted off at 7:25 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The rocket carried the BlueBird 7 satellite, intended to provide direct-to-cellphone internet services, into low Earth orbit. The first-stage booster, previously used in the NG-2 mission, was equipped with new engines and successfully landed on the droneship "Jacklyn" in the Atlantic Ocean approximately six minutes after liftoff.
Jordan Charles, vice president of New Glenn for Blue Origin, highlighted the significance of the flight:
"NG-3 is a huge flight for us. It's the first flight of our reflown booster."
Despite the successful launch and booster recovery, Blue Origin reported that the BlueBird 7 satellite was deployed into an off-nominal orbit. The company stated:
"We have confirmed payload separation. AST SpaceMobile has confirmed the satellite has powered on. The payload was placed into an off-nominal orbit."
The BlueBird 7 satellite, developed by AST SpaceMobile, features a 2,400-square-foot antenna designed to deliver direct-to-cellphone internet services.
This mission represents a significant step toward Blue Origin's goal of developing reusable orbital rockets, positioning the company as a competitor in the commercial space industry.
