What's Happening?
Blue Origin, led by Jeff Bezos, has announced a new super-heavy variant of its New Glenn rocket, which will be taller than the historic Saturn V and comparable to SpaceX's Starship. This new version, named
New Glenn 9x4, will feature nine rocket engines on the booster stage and four on the upper stage, increasing its payload capacity to over 70 metric tons to low-Earth orbit. The announcement follows the successful second flight of the current New Glenn rocket, which demonstrated its capabilities by carrying NASA's ESCAPADE mission to Mars. The new variant aims to support missions involving mega-constellations, lunar and deep space explorations, and national security imperatives.
Why It's Important?
The development of the super-heavy New Glenn rocket signifies Blue Origin's ambition to compete directly with SpaceX in the space exploration sector. By increasing payload capacity and enhancing rocket capabilities, Blue Origin positions itself as a key player in future NASA missions and commercial space ventures. This move could potentially shift the dynamics of the space industry, offering more options for launching large payloads and supporting complex missions. The increased competition may drive innovation and reduce costs, benefiting both governmental and private stakeholders in the space industry.
What's Next?
Blue Origin has not set a specific date for the launch of the new super-heavy variant, but it is expected to occur in early 2026. The company plans to integrate these upgrades into upcoming missions, starting with the third flight of New Glenn. As Blue Origin continues to develop its capabilities, it may also attempt to launch and land its uncrewed Blue Moon Mark 1 lunar lander on the Moon, further expanding its role in lunar exploration.
