In a cosmic showdown reminiscent of a sci-fi blockbuster, Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, standing 320 feet tall and powered by seven engines, is set for its inaugural launch attempt Sunday, aiming to compete with SpaceX's dominance in space.

As the New Glenn rockets into the stratosphere at 1 a.m. ET on Sunday, it ushers in a new era for Blue Origin, determined to challenge SpaceX's commercial supremacy. With seven BE-4 engines and a mission to deploy the Blue Ring Pathfinder, this colossal heavy-lifter promises not just to haul satellites but to potentially carry NASA probes and military payloads, all while showcasing its 'human rated' features for future astronaut flights—if it doesn’t just end up as space junk, that is.

Unlike your average rocket, which may only slightly exceed the height of an average building, the New Glenn's grandeur is a sight to behold. Clocking in at approximately 320 feet (98 meters) tall, it would need a minimum of four and a half giraffes standing on each other's heads to match its impressive stature. Whether this height gives it an advantage in space remains to be seen, but it certainly offers great visibility for those who might still believe they can see their launch vehicle from their backyard.

Thanks to its seven BE-4 engines generating a jaw-dropping 3.8 million pounds of thrust, the New Glenn aims to lift off with enough power to make both skeptics and spectators gasp simultaneously. The sheer thrust on display could also be utilized as the world’s most elaborate way of blowing out birthday candles—if only Jeff Bezos could convince his colleagues to test that idea out one day.

Once it clears the launch pad and presumably some minor existential concerns, the New Glenn will be carrying Blue Origin's own demonstration technology, cleverly dubbed the Blue Ring Pathfinder. This technological marvel isn't as simple as sticking a few satellites in the backseat; it’s designed to host or deploy multiple satellites with onboard computer support and servicing capabilities. Essentially, think of it as a very fancy space delivery vehicle equipped with WiFi, just in case anyone decides to binge-watch their favorite show on the way to orbit.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. After the first stage separates, the New Glenn will attempt landing on a custom-built ship named Jacklyn—a name that arguably sounds better suited for a contestant on a dating reality show than a maritime vehicle. The endeavor will take place in the Atlantic Ocean, where the New Glenn's booster hopes to perform a softer landing than most reality dating contestants manage when they hit the reunion show.

As the upper stage ignites two BE-3U engines optimized for space, Blue Origin’s awe-inspiring rocket aims to reach speeds of around 17,500 miles per hour, which, when broken down, is approximately one ‘I-can’t-believe-it’s-that-fast’ moment per second of a 90-minute launch. Should all things go according to plan, the New Glenn could very well soar into orbit while simultaneously expanding Blue Origin’s portfolio to include potential contracts with NASA and national defense. Who knew competitive space ventures could have geopolitical implications?

This mission is the culmination of ten years of hard work, driven by none other than Jeff Bezos, who had the foresight to announce the New Glenn project a decade ago. It seems that while many mere mortals may have chosen Netflix and thrift-store furniture over a massive, competitive rocket, Bezos instead opted for high-octane aspirations and a penchant for leaving Earth's atmosphere behind. If the launch is successful, the New Glenn could begin the process of reshaping the commercial launch market, lending credence to the vein of competition that consists of SpaceX, Blue Origin, and three neighbors who have not mowed their lawns properly in two months.

In truth, the idea of reusing rockets in a fashion similar to SpaceX’s Falcon rockets is ambitious. SpaceX has successfully demonstrated rocket reusability multiple times. At the end of the day, if rockets can start making second appearances, maybe the rest of us can take tips on how to stage a comeback.

As the countdown approaches the 1 a.m. ET mark on Sunday, all eyes will be on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. In an era where commercial space travel is becoming just another Tuesday evening conversation topic, the launch of Blue Origin's New Glenn could be the start of something noteworthy. Or, just as likely, it could simply become a story to share over cocktails, where everyone collectively nods at the triumphs of technology, while secretly wishing they were able to experience even a fraction of that speed with their daily commute. The possibilities are endless, much like the wait for our socks to reunite.