Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is one step closer to lifting off on its maiden voyage. Just before 8 p.m. on Friday evening, the company completed its long awaited hot-fire test, lighting up the pad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and sending a rumble throughout North Brevard County.

Blue Origin also has the hope of joining SpaceX in the business of landing and reusing its first stage booster. Months ago, the company's landing platform was spotted with a "tester" first stage booster at Port Canaveral. Spectators stopped to watch as the mock up New Glenn first stage sat next to a recently flown SpaceX Falcon 9.

Blue Origin fired up its new heavy-lift orbital rocket for the first time just hours after receiving federal clearance to conduct its maiden launch. Standing atop Launch Complex 36 (LC-36) at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida,