Billionaire Jeff Bezos-owned Blue Origin reached a historic milestone on Thursday morning after the space company successfully sent its first rocket into orbit.

The rocket named New Glenn, which is powered by seven engines, was launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida in the early hours to avoid less aviation interference.

According to the New York Times, the rocket moved slowly before nudging upward and then accelerated in an arc over the Atlantic Ocean.

Thirteen minutes later, the second stage of New Glenn reached orbit, the Times reported.

Many had hoped that Blue Origin would ignite fierce competition between itself and rival SpaceX Elon Musk, owned by Elon Musk.

However, despite starting two years earlier than SpaceX, Blue Origin is miles behind SpaceX in achievements, but Thursday’s launch marked another step in the right direction for the company. 

Meanwhile, Mr Musk congratulated Mr Bezos on the milestone, stating, “Congratulations on reaching orbit on the first attempt.”