Blue Origin continued to prep for the maiden flight of its massive New Glenn rocket as it went vertical on the launch pad Thursday ahead of an upcoming hot fire test needed before a launch attempt that is targeting before the end of the year.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Jeff Bezos' rocket company Blue Origin has signed a multi-launch deal with satellite communication company AST Spacemobile to deploy the company's direct-to-cellular satellites "over a multi-year period" using Blue's New Glenn rocket, the companies announced Thursday.

Blue Origin's powerful new orbital rocket has risen on the launch pad to prep for a debut flight that could happen soon. New Glenn was stacked at Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida,

Blue Origin’s ambitious orbital rocket, New Glenn, has officially taken its place on the launch pad, marking a pivotal moment for the company. Positioned at Launch Complex 36 in Florida, the rocket is preparing for its first flight,