New Glenn is Blue Origin's orbital heavy-lift launch vehicle, representing the company's entry into the orbital launch market. Named after astronaut John Glenn, this partially reusable rocket features a reusable first stage powered by seven BE-4 engines designed to land on an ocean platform and operate for a minimum of 25 flights. With its 7-meter diameter fairing and impressive payload capacity, New Glenn aims to serve commercial, civil, and national security missions. Blue Origin is planning a four-launch campaign to achieve certification for National Security Space Launch missions. New Glenn conducted its first launch in January 2025, followed by a second in November 2025 in which it successfully landed the rocket’s booster.
New Glenn Technical Data
First Launch: Jan. 16, 2025 (successful first orbital flight).
Total Launches (through CY 2026): 2 (first flight in mission in January 2025).
Launches in CY 25: 2 (first flight in mission in January 2025).
Class: Heavy-lift partially reusable launch vehicle.
Company: Blue Origin.
Payload to LEO: Up to 45,000 kg (99,000 lb).
Payload to GEO: Up to 13,000 kg (28,600 lb) to GTO.
Engine Type: Seven BE-4 engines (first stage), two BE-3U engines (second stage).
NSSL Lane 2 Certified: In certification process, undergoing demonstration flights.