Photos: Glimpses of Secretive Blue Origin's Private Spaceships

Blue Origin's Orbital Spacecraft

This artist's illustration of the orbital crew-carrying spaceship planned by the private company Blue Origin was included in the firm's NASA Space Act agreement to continue its work on a commercial crew space vehicle.

Blue Origin: Orbital Reusable Booster System

This illustration from private spaceship builder Blue Origin depicts the Orbital Reusable Booster System planned by the spaceflight company, which is owned by Amazon.com mogul Jeff Bezos.

Blue Origin's Goddard Vehicle Rolls Out

Bankrolled by Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com fame and fortune, Blue Origin’s Goddard vehicle is the first development vehicle in the firm’s New Shepard suborbital program.

Blue Origin Spectators at Goddard Test Launch

Spectators watch Blue Origin's Goddard test launch.

Blue Origin's Goddard at the Pad

Blue Origin's Goddard development vehicle is seen while being lowered onto the launch and landing pad for a Nov. 13, 2006 flight at the company's West Texas testing grounds.

Sun Rises for Blue Origin's Goddard Test

Daylight washes over Blue Origin's Goddard development craft during a Nov. 13, 2006 test flight at the private spaceflight company's West Texas launch site.

Amazon Founder's Rocket Plans Take Flight

Blue Origin's Goddard demonstration vehicle in mid-flight above its West Texas launch pad during a test launch on Nov. 13, 2006.

Blue Origin's Jumbotron at the Test Launch

Jeff Bezos said about the Blue Origin test launch of Goddard, "We brought a jumbotron so our spectators could have a better view. This photo is from a few days before launch when we scrubbed because of winds."

Bezos Celebrates

Jeff Bezos celebrates a test launch of the Goddard vehicle.

Blue Origin's Goddard Back in the Barn

Blue Origin's Goddard vehicle, a development prototype for the company's New Shepard spacecraft, is returned to its barn after a successful Nov. 13, 2006 test flight.