Blue Origin reveals variant of New Glenn rocket that is taller than a Saturn V
14 hours ago
- #Space Exploration
- #Rocket Technology
- #Blue Origin
- Blue Origin reveals designs for a larger version of its New Glenn rocket, surpassing Saturn V and matching SpaceX's Starship in height.
- The super-heavy New Glenn variant (9×4) will have nine engines on the booster and four on the upper stage, compared to the current 7×2 version.
- Increased thrust allows the 9×4 to carry over 70 metric tons to low-Earth orbit, slightly below Starship's 100 metric tons capacity.
- Larger fairing on the 9×4 enables bigger payloads, targeting mega-constellations, lunar exploration, deep space missions, and national security projects like Golden Dome.
- Blue Origin competes with SpaceX for NASA moon missions, hinting at lunar capabilities in its New Glenn 9×4 rendering.
- The 7×2 version receives updates, including increased thrust, reusable fairings, and reduced turnaround time between launches.
- Blue Origin plans to launch the uncrewed Blue Moon Mark 1 lunar lander, with a tentative launch window in early 2026.