Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket gets a big upgrade
Blue Origin just introduced a new, super-sized version of its New Glenn rocket. This one can haul over 70 tons to low Earth orbit.
The new "9x4" model packs more engines and is designed to compete with SpaceX's Starship in the race for commercial space launches.
What's new under the hood?
The 9x4 version now sports nine BE-4 engines on its booster and four on the upper stage, giving it a massive boost in power.
It also comes with a roomy seven-meter fairing, so it can carry bigger payloads—think mega-satellite constellations or lunar landers like Blue Moon Mark 1 (set for launch in early 2026).
Plus, both this and the upgraded "7x2" model will fly together, with reusable parts to help speed up turnaround.
How does it stack up?
With a first stage that lands itself on an ocean barge (just like SpaceX), New Glenn joins other heavy-lift US rockets such as Vulcan Centaur and Falcon Heavy.
It's expected to compete with Vulcan Centaur and Falcon Heavy for NASA and other missions—and maybe inspire some future astronauts along the way.