Part 2/8:
Watching the event live was exhilarating, but it wasn't without its anxieties. As the countdown began, a hold was called due to a boat straying into the exclusion zone. The question lingered: how could people not realize an important rocket launch was imminent? As the New Glenn finally lifted off, it seemed to crawl from the pad—evoking memories of SpaceX’s Starship. Despite the slow ascent, New Glenn ultimately reached orbit, showcasing that Blue Origin's hard work had paid off. This marked a triumph, especially enlightening given that Starship has yet to achieve a fully orbital launch.