What is the debate surrounding Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket?

Engineers are debating whether to reuse the expensive upper stage of the New Glenn rocket to improve its economic viability.

Why is upper stage reusability important for New Glenn?

Reusing the upper stage is considered crucial for establishing a sustainable launch business due to the high manufacturing costs of new stages.

Home / Technology / Blue Origin Explores Reusability for New Glenn Rocket Stage

Blue Origin Explores Reusability for New Glenn Rocket Stage

Q: What does a recent job posting indicate about New Glenn's upper stage?

A new job posting for a Director of Reusable Upper Stage Development suggests a renewed internal focus on making the upper stage reusable.

7 Feb

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Summary

Blue Origin engineers debate reusing New Glenn's upper stage.
Reusability is crucial for the economic viability of New Glenn.
A new job posting suggests a renewed focus on reusable upper stages.

Blue Origin Explores Reusability for New Glenn Rocket Stage

Engineers at Blue Origin have been engaged in a long-standing debate concerning the reusability of the New Glenn rocket's upper stage, known as GS2. This decision is paramount for the economic viability of the heavy-lift rocket, with the first generation's upper stage costing over $50 million to manufacture.

While the first stage of New Glenn is designed for full reusability, the strategy for the upper stage has evolved over the years. An earlier project, 'Project Jarvis,' aimed at a reusable stainless-steel upper stage, was eventually abandoned. However, a new job posting for a Director of Reusable Upper Stage Development suggests a renewed internal push towards this goal.

This renewed focus on reusability comes as Blue Origin faces significant manufacturing costs for the current GS2 stage. The company is also developing a more powerful 9x4 version, potentially costing around $100 million to build. Reusing expensive upper stages is seen as essential for a sustainable launch business, mirroring SpaceX's approach with its Starship program.