The launch will mark Blue Origin’s first foray into the business of sending rockets to orbit. If successful, it could position the company to better compete with SpaceX.

Blue Origin is counting down to the launch of its New Glenn rocket on an orbital mission that's been more than a decade in the making.

As pointed out by NPR, New Glenn has a similar carrying capacity to SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket, but it stands out with a larger, 23-foot-wide cargo bay. If New Glenn’s launch is successful, it could heat up its rivalry with SpaceX as both companies vie to secure lucrative government contracts.