Blue Origin has made significant strides in the aerospace sector, with the successful launch of its New Glenn rocket on November 13, 2023. This mission, designated NG-2, marked only the second flight of the partially reusable vehicle and carried a NASA payload destined for Mars. The mission included the launch of the ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration Dynamics Explorers) satellites, which will investigate the effects of solar wind on Mars’ magnetic environment, contributing to our understanding of atmospheric escape.
Following this successful launch, Blue Origin demonstrated its commitment to reusability by successfully retrieving the rocket’s first stage, a critical aspect of the New Glenn’s design. The company announced plans for enhancements to the rocket’s structural integrity, propulsion systems, avionics, and recovery capabilities. Among these developments is the intention to create a “super-heavy” variant of the New Glenn, aimed at positioning the vehicle as a competitor to SpaceX’s Starship.
Advancements in Propulsion and Payload Capacity
The upcoming enhancements will include upgraded BE-4 booster engines, which currently produce 2,400 kN (550,000 lbf) of thrust at sea level. The new engines are expected to deliver 2,847 kN (642,850 lbf) each, raising the total thrust to approximately 19,928 kN (4.5 million lbf). Blue Origin has already demonstrated capabilities of up to 2,780 kN (625,000 lbf) during testing.
The upper stage of the New Glenn will also see improvements, with the BE-3U thrusters set to increase from 1,423 kN (320,000 lbf) to 1,779 kN (400,000 lbf). While the upgraded BE-4 engines will be integrated into the next launch (NG-3), the BE-3U improvements are planned for subsequent missions.
The proposed super-heavy variant, named New Glenn 9×4, will feature nine BE-4 engines and four BE-3U engines. It will also include a larger payload fairing, increasing from 7 meters (23 feet) to 8.7 meters (approximately 28.5 feet) in diameter. With these modifications, the New Glenn 9×4 is projected to deliver 70 metric tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), 14 metric tons to Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO), and 20 metric tons for Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI).
Positioning in a Competitive Launch Market
Blue Origin’s strategic enhancements come as the global satellite launch market continues to expand, projected to reach a valuation of $35.95 billion by 2030. The company aims to improve its launch cadence and performance to maintain competitiveness.
Recent years have seen numerous commercial launch providers emerge, intensifying competition against SpaceX’s previously dominant position. This evolving landscape underscores the importance of innovation and adaptability within the aerospace industry.
In addition to its commercial ambitions, Blue Origin is also set to play a role in NASA’s Artemis Program, specifically for missions Artemis V and VI. As the agency reassesses its future plans, including potential cancellations of the Space Launch System (SLS) and associated programs, Blue Origin may increasingly meet NASA’s launch and crewed spacecraft needs.
Acting NASA Director Sean Duffy recently indicated that the agency would seek competitive bids for a Human Landing System (HLS) as delays in the Starship’s development persist. Furthermore, Blue Origin is pursuing additional contracts with NASA for deep space exploration initiatives, similar to the ESCAPADE mission, and plans to engage in national security programs.
As Blue Origin advances its plans for both commercial and government contracts, the company’s commitment to innovation and strategic partnerships will be crucial for maintaining its position in the rapidly evolving aerospace sector.
