Blue Origin has announced plans for the development of its new super-heavy rocket, the New Glenn 9×4, designed to transport up to 70 metric tons to low-Earth orbit (LEO), rivaling SpaceX’s Starship. The announcement came shortly after Blue Origin’s successful NG-2 launch on November 13.
Key Takeaways
- New Glenn 9×4 will feature nine BE-4 engines and four BE-3U engines, with enhanced thrust capabilities.
- The rocket is expected to carry up to 70 metric tons to LEO, surpassing Falcon Heavy’s capacity of 64 metric tons.
- Blue Origin aims to improve reusability through upgraded thermal protection systems and a reusable fairing.
In the latest development, Blue Origin has announced plans for its New Glenn rocket variant, dubbed New Glenn 9×4. This super-heavy lift vehicle will feature nine BE-4 engines on its booster stage, each producing an increased thrust of 640,000 pounds-force (lbf), up from the previous 550,000 lbf. Additionally, four BE-3U engines will power the upper stage.
These upgrades are expected to significantly boost New Glenn’s performance, allowing it to deliver a payload of up to 70 metric tons to LEO. This capacity exceeds that of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket, which can carry up to 64 metric tons in its fully expendable configuration. However, the company acknowledges that SpaceX’s Starship remains unmatched with its capability to transport between 100-150 metric tonnes when fully reusable.
Blue Origin is also focusing on enhancing reusability through various upgrades. The company plans to introduce a reusable fairing and an improved thermal protection system designed for faster turnaround times, aiming to support higher flight rates. Additionally, the lower-cost tank design will help reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining performance standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the payload capacity of New Glenn 9×4?
New Glenn 9×4 is designed to deliver up to 70 metric tons to low-Earth orbit, with additional capabilities for geosynchronous orbit (14 tons) and trans-lunar injection (20 tons).
How does New Glenn 9×4 compare to SpaceX’s Starship?
New Glenn 9×4 offers a payload capacity of up to 70 metric tons to LEO, surpassing Falcon Heavy but falling short compared to the fully reusable configuration of Starship, which can carry between 100-150 metric tonnes.
With these enhancements and improvements in reusability, Blue Origin aims to solidify its position as a leading player in heavy-lift launch capabilities. The company’s latest announcement signals a significant step towards competing directly with SpaceX’s Starship on the global space market.
