Billionaire-backed rockets are set to launch into space at the start of the new year, marking a major milestone for two rival companies. Blue Origin’s New Glenn and SpaceX’s Starship will make their scheduled launches on January 12 and 13, respectively.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is set to make its maiden flight from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The reusable launcher will carry the Blue Ring Pathfinder into orbit, testing its capabilities ahead of future point-to-point transfer vehicles. The first stage will return to land on a barge named after Jeff Bezos’ mother.
Meanwhile, SpaceX’s Starship is set for its seventh test from Boca Chica, Texas. The 120-meter rocket will launch replicas of Starlink satellites into orbit, with the second stage expected to land in the Indian Ocean. With a payload capacity three times that of New Glenn and nearly 10 times greater than Ariane-6, Starship sets a new benchmark for orbital launches.
Source: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/science/article/2025/01/12/jeff-bezos-prepares-new-rocket-launch-to-rival-spacex_6736957_10.html