The world’s second richest man suffered an embarrassing botched launch of his new rocket system just hours after shrugging off speculation he might be intimidated by Elon Musk having the incoming president’s ear on all things off-world.

Blue Origin LLC’s new flagship rocket lifted off for the first time and successfully reached orbit in a crucial test of the Jeff Bezos-backed firm’s ability to challenge SpaceX’s ironclad grip on the launch market.

Jeff Bezos’ company is gearing up to launch its New Glenn rocket, kicking off a year in which the industry anticipates to grow under the Trump administration.

Founded 25 years ago by Bezos, Blue Origin has been launching paying passengers to the edge of space since 2021, including himself. The short hops from Texas use smaller rockets named after the first American in space, Alan Shepard. New Glenn, which honors John Glenn, is five times taller.

Jeff Bezos' spaceflight company Blue Origin on Thursday launched its ... has forged a deep relationship with incoming president Donald Trump — has said the "Moon is a distraction."

despite President-elect Donald Trump‘s close ties with rival Elon Musk‘s SpaceX, as Blue Origin prepares for a pivotal rocket launch. What Happened: “Elon has been very clear that he’s ...

The decision to move Monday's swearing-in means thousands of people with plans to visit Washington won't be able to see President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration in person.

Donald Trump Mocked After Announcing Inauguration Will Be Held Indoors Due to 'Arctic Blast Sweeping the Country': 'He Doesn't Want His Hair Blowing Around'

Also: Value stocks, the start of earnings season, retirement planning for people of all ages and a new development in the space race.

Plus: Blue Origin and SpaceX launch big rockets, how magnets could guide lasers to make better computers, how to best work with your IT department and more.

Founded 25 years ago by Bezos, Blue Origin has been launching paying passengers to the edge of space since 2021, including himself. The short hops from Texas use smaller rockets named after the first American in space, Alan Shepard. New Glenn, which honors John Glenn, is five times taller.