Blue Origin's New Glenn nears Space Force certification after two successful launches

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is nearing certification under the U.S. Space Force’s National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. The heavy-lift vehicle must complete four successful orbital flights to qualify, with two missions already achieved. A third launch is expected early next year, bringing the company closer to joining SpaceX and United Launch Alliance as certified providers. The NSSL certification process requires rigorous technical reviews, flight demonstrations, and extensive data sharing. Each rocket must prove its reliability and repeatability before carrying critical national security payloads. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 earned certification in 2015 after three successful launches, while ULA’s Vulcan met the criteria with two flights in 2024 and 2025.

Blue Origin chose the four-flight benchmark for New Glenn, an approach agreed upon with the government. The exact number of flights needed can vary, depending on design maturity, test history, and the government’s risk tolerance. Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant has expressed satisfaction with New Glenn’s progress so far.

With two missions already completed, the next launch is anticipated ‘earlier in the new year than later,’ according to Garrant. If the remaining flights proceed as planned, Blue Origin will become the third certified heavy-lift provider for the Space Force. Certification would allow New Glenn to compete for high-priority military and intelligence launches. The rocket’s success in upcoming flights will determine whether it meets the Space Force’s strict operational standards. A final decision is expected once all four missions are complete.