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.

The company, owned by the Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, also received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to launch the vehicle to orbit.