From PCMAG · Rob Pegoraro · · 2m
Blue Origin Plans Florida Facility Expansion
Blue Origin reveals $330m Florida facility upgrade to boost New Glenn rocket launches.
In brief
Blue Origin reveals $330m Florida facility upgrade to boost New Glenn rocket launches. Blue Origin plans $330 million expansion of its Florida rocket facilities to support up to 150 New Glenn upper stages annually by 2027. Originally reported by PCMAG.
Blue Origin's Florida Expansion Plans
Blue Origin posted plans for a $330 million expansion of its Rocket Park campus in Space Coast, Florida.
New Glenn Rocket Development
The company aims to increase New Glenn rocket flights using both current and future super-heavy-lift models.
Rocket Park Expansion Details
The $330 million project spans a mile north to south and will support up to 150 upper stages by 2027.
New Glenn 9x4 Version
The New Glenn 9x4 version uses nine methane-fueled BE-4 engines and four hydrogen-fueled BE-3U engines.
Current New Glenn Performance
The current 7x2 version can carry almost 50 tons to low Earth orbit with three successful flights.
Recent New Glenn Challenges
A catastrophic on-pad explosion in May destroyed much of New Glenn's launch infrastructure and grounded the vehicle.
Launch Complex 36 Rebuild
Blue Origin has requested FAA to increase LC-36 launches from 12 to 50 annually.
Additional Launch Infrastructure
The company plans to build two more launch pads and two new integration facilities near LC-36.
Landing Platform Vessels
Blue Origin is working to procure two more landing platform vessels for New Glenn launches.
SpaceX Market Shift
SpaceX appears to be ceding much of the satellite-launch market to focus on Starlink and Starship.
NASA Contract
NASA awarded Blue Origin a $3.4 billion contract to build lunar landers for Artemis program.
Amazon Satellite Deal
Amazon booked 12 New Glenn launches for its Leo broadband satellite constellation.
Bezos' December Deadline
Bezos stated the company aims to return New Glenn to flight 'sometime in December' before joking it would be 'probably Dec. 31'.
The takeaway
Blue Origin plans $330 million expansion of its Florida rocket facilities to support up to 150 New Glenn upper stages annually by 2027.
