Blue Origin launched its massive new rocket on its first test flight Thursday, sending up a prototype satellite to orbit thousands of miles above Earth. Named after the first American to orbit Earth,

Blue Origin successfully launched the rocket after an attempt earlier in the week was scrubbed. The flight is a crucial test of the company’s ability to compete with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

It was a triumph for Jeff Bezos as his rocket ship, New Glenn, blasted off. The Amazon founder watched from the control center as Blue Origin employees across the nation celebrated. It's the first successful rocket launch from Bezos' company.