Eastern time on Jan. 16, 2025, a new rocket blasted off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. By reaching orbit, Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket launch has marked a milestone for a commercial space company that has big ambitions.

The heavy-lift vehicle includes a reusable booster designed for up to 25 launches. Blue Origin will use future New Glenn rockets to deploy satellites for Amazon.com Inc. and other private sector customers, as well as help NASA take astronauts to the moon.

After rising along a due east trajectory, the white-and-blue rocket's first-stage booster will target landing aboard Blue Origin's drone ship Jacklyn.