Blue Origin plots New Glenn expansion after massive rocket explosion damaged launch pad
The push to create a new launch pad comes after a Blue Origin rocket exploded during a static fire test in May
Blue Origin rocket explodes during test at Cape Canaveral Space Force station
Floridians were both amazed and alarmed when the Blue Origin rocket exploded on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force station along Florida's Gulf Coast Thursday night. FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne talks about the shocking moment, including the last time we saw something like this happen.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Blue Origin is developing a new launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
- This is to support the New Glenn 9x4, which is expected to be taller and more powerful than the New Glenn 7x2
- The push to create a new launch pad comes after a Blue Origin rocket exploded during a static fire test in May
Blue Origin is developing a new launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida to support a more powerful version of its New Glenn rocket as the company works to expand its launch capabilities.
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The company announced plans to build Launch Complex 36B (LC-36B) alongside its existing Launch Complex 36A (LC-36A) pad.
The new launch pad will support the New Glenn 9x4, which is expected to be taller and more powerful than the current New Glenn 7x2.
New Glenn on the launch pad at LC-36 ahead of the NG-3 mission.
(Blue Origin)
The New Glenn 9x4 is designed to launch larger payloads, including commercial satellite constellations, spacecraft for lunar and deep-space exploration, and national security missions.
The New Glenn 9x4 features nine BE-4 engines on its first stage and four BE-3U engines on its second stage, giving the rocket greater capacity to carry larger payloads into space.
Watch: Blue Origin rocket explodes in 'anomaly' at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
A Blue Origin rocket exploded during a static fire test at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station late Thursday night.
It will generate 5.7 million pounds of combined thrust, which is 50% more thrust than the first-stage booster on the New Glenn 7x2.
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The push to develop the new launch complex comes as Blue Origin continues repairing its existing facilities following an explosion during a New Glenn test in May.
The incident involved a New Glenn 7x2 rocket during testing at the company's facility at Cape Canaveral.
New Glenn at liftoff during the NG-3 mission.
(Blue Origin)
The explosion damaged the rocket, portions of LC-36A and other company infrastructure.
The rocket had been set to deliver a stack of Amazon Leo wireless internet satellites into orbit before it was destroyed.
Despite the setback, Blue Origin has said repairs to LC-36A will be completed in time for the New Glenn 7x2 to return to the launch pad by the end of the year.
New Glenn at liftoff during the NG-3 mission.
(Blue Origin / FOX Weather)
However, the company has not provided a timeline for when the LC-36B will be ready or when the New Glenn 9x4 will make its debut.
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Before the explosion, the company had planned to conduct as many as eight to 12 launches in 2026.