Blue Origin to Build a "Super Heavy" Rocket to Compete with Starship
a day ago
- #Space Exploration
- #NASA
- #Rocket Technology
- Blue Origin successfully launched the New Glenn rocket (NG-2) with NASA's ESCAPADE mission to Mars.
- The first stage of the New Glenn rocket was successfully retrieved, marking partial reusability.
- Blue Origin announced enhancements for New Glenn, including propulsion, avionics, and reusability upgrades.
- Upgraded BE-4 engines will increase thrust from 16,800 kN to 19,928 kN.
- Enhanced BE-3U thrusters for the upper stage will deliver 1,779 kN of thrust, up from 1,423 kN.
- Blue Origin plans a 'super-heavy' version, New Glenn 9x4, with increased payload capacity.
- The super-heavy version will feature a larger fairing and deliver 70 metric tons to LEO.
- Blue Origin aims to support NASA's Artemis Program, including Artemis V and VI missions.
- NASA may outsource more launch and crewed spacecraft needs to commercial providers like Blue Origin.
- Blue Origin seeks additional contracts for deep space exploration and national security programs.