Blue Origin · Artemis Program · Ars Technica
During the conversation, Berger reported that the current Blue Origin “architecture” for a human mission would require four
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Blue Origin has not set a target date for the 9×4 rocket’s debut, but some sources have indicated the company is targeting late 2027 or early 2028.
Key facts
- Blue Origin has not set a target date for the 9×4 rocket’s debut, but some sources have indicated the company is targeting late 2027 or early 2028
- During the conversation, Berger reported that the current Blue Origin “architecture” for a human mission would require four launches of new variant of the New Glenn rocket, known as 9×4, because it
- Colangelo said it would not surprise him if the development of the 9×4 variant of New Glenn slipped into the 2030s
- The reporter thinks the 9×4 is to enable them to do new missions
Summary
This week Ars hosted a live discussion with two space industry experts about the aftermath of the catastrophic explosion of the New Glenn rocket in late May. Along with Ars Technica Space Editor Eric Berger; the director of research at Quilty Space, Caleb Henry; and the host of the Main Engine Cut Off podcast, Anthony Colangelo, spoke about various topics. During the conversation, Berger reported that the current Blue Origin “architecture” for a human mission would require four launches of new variant of the New Glenn rocket, known as 9×4, because it has nine first stage engines, and four upper stage engines. How realistic is this, especially after the destruction of Launch Complex 36A? The reporter has not seen anyone put out a date for a new rocket, and hit it. The reporter thinks the 9×4 is to enable them to do new missions.