Blue Origin Advances Heavy-Lift Rocket Plans to Compete with SpaceX

Blue Origin has reached a significant milestone with its partially reusable heavy-lift rocket, the New Glenn. On November 13, 2023, during its second launch (NG-2), the company successfully deployed a NASA payload intended for Mars. This mission, known as ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration Dynamics Explorers), involves twin satellites designed to investigate the solar wind’s interaction with Mars’ magnetic environment.

Unlike the inaugural flight, this launch marked a successful recovery of the rocket’s first stage, showcasing Blue Origin’s commitment to partial reusability. Following this accomplishment, the company announced plans for enhancements to the New Glenn system, including upgrades in propulsion, avionics, and recovery systems.

Plans for a Super-Heavy Rocket

In a bid to compete with SpaceX’s Starship, Blue Origin aims to develop a “super-heavy” version of the New Glenn rocket, designated as the New Glenn 9×4. This upgrade will include structural enhancements and more powerful thrusters on both the first and upper stages. Currently, the New Glenn utilizes seven BE-4 booster engines, generating a thrust of 2,400 kN (about 550,000 lbf) at sea level, resulting in a combined thrust of 16,800 kN (approximately 3.5 million lbf).

The anticipated upgrades will elevate the performance of these engines, with new versions expected to deliver 2,847 kN (around 642,850 lbf) each, culminating in a total thrust of 19,928 kN (approximately 4.5 million lbf). According to company sources, the New Glenn has already demonstrated capabilities of up to 2,780 kN (around 625,000 lbf) during test phases.

The upper stage will also benefit from enhancements, with the BE-3U thrusters projected to increase from a thrust of 1,423 kN (about 320,000 lbf) to 1,779 kN (approximately 400,000 lbf).

Competitive Landscape and Future Missions

As Blue Origin progresses with its rocket developments, it is also strategizing to secure a solid foothold in the commercial launch market, which is projected to grow into a $35.95 billion industry by 2030. The company plans to perform launches using both the upgraded and super-heavy versions of the New Glenn, aiming to enhance performance and launch frequency.

Blue Origin’s ambitions extend beyond commercial launches. The company is set to provide crew and payload services for NASA’s Artemis Program, particularly for the upcoming Artemis V and VI missions. Recent discussions surrounding the FY 2026 Budget Request suggest potential changes to NASA’s launch strategy, including the possible outsourcing of crewed spacecraft needs to commercial entities.

Acting NASA Director Sean Duffy has indicated that the agency will once again seek competitive bids for a Human Landing System (HLS), citing delays in the development of SpaceX’s Starship. This shift could pave the way for Blue Origin to secure more contracts for deep space exploration, similar to its role in the ESCAPADE mission, and national security initiatives.

As competition intensifies in the aerospace sector, Blue Origin’s advancements with the New Glenn rocket may position the company as a formidable player in the evolving landscape of space exploration and commercial launches.