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