Blue Origin Unveils Upgraded New Glenn Rocket to Compete with SpaceX

Blue Origin has announced plans to enhance its New Glenn rocket, introducing a new super-heavy variant aimed at competing directly with SpaceX’s Starship. Following the success of New Glenn’s second test flight, the company revealed the upgraded design, named New Glenn 9×4, which features nine engines on the booster and four on the upper stage, an increase from the previous seven and two, respectively.

The company stated, “The next chapter in New Glenn’s roadmap is a new super-heavy class rocket.” This announcement comes shortly after Blue Origin successfully launched the New Glenn for its second mission, transporting NASA’s ESCAPADE mission towards Mars. While the exact timeline for the new variant’s first launch has not been disclosed, Blue Origin has a busy launch schedule planned for 2026 and 2027.

Significant Enhancements to Payload Capacity

The upgraded New Glenn 9×4 will enable Blue Origin to lift over 70 metric tons to low Earth orbit, more than 14 metric tons to geosynchronous orbit, and over 20 metric tons for trans-lunar injection. While these capabilities fall short of SpaceX’s Starship, which can transport up to 150 metric tons to low Earth orbit, the New Glenn remains a formidable launch vehicle in its own right.

Additionally, the new rocket will feature a larger fairing measuring 28.5 feet (8.7 meters), accommodating bigger payloads. Blue Origin emphasized that both the new 9×4 variant and the existing 7×2 model will operate concurrently, providing customers with more options for various missions, including mega-constellations, lunar and deep space exploration, and national security operations.

Overcoming Challenges and Future Aspirations

Blue Origin introduced the New Glenn rocket in January 2023 after a series of delays. The inaugural flight faced challenges, notably the failure to recover the booster during its descent. Following an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which outlined seven corrective measures, the company successfully executed the second mission, marking a significant milestone for Blue Origin.

The company’s CEO, Dave Limp, shared a visual representation of the upgraded New Glenn, highlighting its impressive height compared to the historic Saturn V rocket, which was instrumental in NASA’s Apollo missions to the Moon. The success of New Glenn’s second flight has reinforced the rocket’s viability in the competitive orbital launch market.

With the introduction of the super-heavy variant, Blue Origin aims to position itself as a significant contender against SpaceX, expanding its role in the rapidly evolving space industry. As the company looks towards future missions, the enhanced New Glenn is set to play a pivotal role in advancing space exploration and satellite deployment.