LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. private space technology company Blue Origin launched its massive New Glenn rocket early Thursday on its first test flight.
The uncrewed mission is intended to carry Blue Origin's Blue Ring Pathfinder to orbit, a payload that will test key technologies for its Blue Ring orbital transfer vehicle.
The New Glenn rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in the U.S. state of Florida at 2:03 a.m. Eastern Time (0703 GMT).
About three minutes after launch, Blue Origin confirmed the main engine cut-off and stage separation.
Later, the company confirmed New Glenn's second stage and payload were in orbit.
The rocket's first stage failed to land on a platform located downrange in the Atlantic as planned. ■