1st LD: Blue Origin launches New Glenn rocket for NASA's Mars mission

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. space technology company Blue Origin launched its massive reusable New Glenn rocket on Thursday, sending NASA's ESCAPADE twin spacecraft bound for Mars in the NG-2 mission.

New Glenn lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in the U.S. state of Florida at 3:55 p.m. Eastern Time (2055 GMT).

About three minutes after launch, Blue Origin confirmed main engine cut-off and stage separation.

Later, the company confirmed New Glenn's second stage and payload were continuing toward space.

It marks the second flight mission of the reusable rocket, which will support ESCAPADE's science objectives, said the company on its website.

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