Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket achieved a significant milestone today as it successfully underwent its first rollout and upending at Launch Complex 36 (LC-36). This marks a crucial moment in the development of the advanced heavy-lift vehicle, which is slated to support a range of missions for various customers, including NASA’s Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the Moon.
The rollout provided the first glimpse of the actual New Glenn hardware on the launch pad, representing a major step forward in the vehicle’s progress. This event is part of a series of important manufacturing and integrated test milestones leading up to New Glenn’s inaugural launch later this year. These tests allow Blue Origin teams to refine vehicle integration, transport, ground support, and launch operations, all without the need for engines, which are undergoing separate testing.
The journey to the launch pad began in December with the transportation of New Glenn’s first-stage modules from the factory to the Integration Facility. Ongoing tests will include demonstrations of cryogenic fluid loading, pressure control, and venting systems, with the launch pad and ground systems set to be activated for the first time.
Named in honor of John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, New Glenn stands over 320 feet tall and features a seven-meter payload fairing, providing double the volume of standard commercial launch systems. Its reusable first stage is designed for a minimum of 25 missions, landing on a sea-based platform located roughly 620 miles downrange to significantly reduce launch costs.
Powered by seven BE-4 engines, New Glenn utilizes liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas for cleaner-burning and higher-performing propulsion. Blue Origin has multiple New Glenn vehicles in production, with a diverse customer base including NASA, Project Kuiper, Telesat, and Eutelsat. The company is also working to certify New Glenn with the U.S. Space Force for the National Security Space Launch program.
