Blue Origin announced that it will test the upper stage of its New Glenn launch vehicle at NASA’s Stennis Space Center. The tests are part of the preparation for the rocket’s inaugural orbital flight.
Testing at Stennis Space Center
The Stennis facility in Mississippi provides test stands capable of handling large‑scale engine and stage firings. There, the New Glenn upper stage will be fired to verify performance under realistic conditions.
Rebuilding the Cape Canaveral Launch Complex
At the same time, Blue Origin is rebuilding its launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, formerly Launch Complex 36. The site is being readied to support full New Glenn launches.
By splitting stage testing and launch‑pad refurbishment between two locations, the company can validate hardware while preparing ground systems for flight.