Home / Science / New Glenn Rocket Gets Major Upgrade Amid Delays
New Glenn Rocket Gets Major Upgrade Amid Delays
7 Nov
Summary
- New Glenn rocket's next launch is delayed to January 2027.
- A new third stage, GS3, will enable deeper space missions.
- A powerful new Northstar engine offers more thrust and less weight.
Blue Origin's ambitious New Glenn rocket program has encountered a significant setback, pushing its next launch to January 2027. This delay follows a critical engine test accident earlier this year that damaged launch infrastructure at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Despite these challenges, Blue Origin is concurrently advancing the rocket's capabilities. A new third stage, designated GS3, is being developed to facilitate more demanding missions, including direct geostationary orbit insertion and deep space exploration, capable of carrying payloads up to 20 tonnes towards the Moon.
Furthermore, the company is introducing Northstar, a next-generation engine for New Glenn's first stage. This new engine boasts approximately 3,180 kilonewtons of thrust, surpassing the current BE-4 engine's output. Northstar is also designed to be 30% lighter with fewer parts, enabling faster assembly.
CEO Dave Limp has cited severe weather and recent flooding as compounding factors in the rebuilding of the launch facility. The company is now focused on completing these repairs to prepare for the revised January 2027 flight target.
