CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, Fla. — Blue Origin achieved a critical milestone on Thursday, successfully lifting its massive New Glenn rocket to a vertical position at Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla.
The complex operation utilized the company's Transporter Erector (TE), an enormous structure nearly 300 feet long, 50 feet wide, and weighing over 4 million pounds. Hydraulic actuators — four massive mechanisms four feet in diameter, extending 42 feet into the foundation — delivered 15 million pounds of lifting force to position the rocket.
Much of the work on New Glenn takes place at Blue Origin's Huntsville operations. The company has aimed for a first flight by the end of the year.
Groundbreaking Rocket Design
The New Glenn rocket represents a significant leap in launch vehicle technology, featuring:
First Stage Propulsion
- Powered by seven BE-4 engines
- Each engine generates 550,000 lbf thrust
- Utilizes liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen
- Represents a breakthrough in American-made rocket engine technology
Second Stage Capabilities
- Two restartable BE-3U engines
- Each engine generates 160,000 lbf vacuum thrust
- Designed for versatile mission profiles
- Assembled in Blue Origin's Huntsville facility
The vertical integration marks a pivotal moment in Blue Origin's journey to establish itself as a major commercial spaceflight provider, bringing the company closer to its first orbital launch attempt.
